LINUX Security

[Rytron]

Hi,
I am new to Linux. I really want to get into it.
Recently I installed these distros on various machines(ubuntu,xubuntu,pclinuxos 2007,kubuntu).
What I find to be strange after so many years using Xp Pro is this:

does linux need firewall
does linux need antispyware
does linux need anti virus software

I know that the security of Linux is renowned for being superior to Windows but are the above applications required?

I read somewhere that a firewall is only required if you run a Linux mail server-is this true?

Are all Linux distros in general extremely secure thus not requiring firewall / antimalware software?

I'd be delighted on some input to my question. Thank you.

 

[tlarkin]

It is secure by design, because you require authentication to make any system wide changes, where as in windows you don't.

Firewalls are an essential part of network security, and are needed for all OSes. However, I don't run software firewalls, not even on my windows machine. I have a firewall running at the router level of my personal network, and that is all I have needed.

there are no wild viruses or spyware for linux

 

[porterjw]

^ Amen.

Also, you'll occasionally see folks running Linux that have AV software. Don't get confused, though. That is solely to prevent unknown-transmittal of viruses to Windows-based systems.