Ubuntu & anti virus - do I need it?

[dug987654]

Hi. I have just pretty-much-successfully got Ubuntu working on my computer. What I would like to know is do I need some anti virus/firewall software? I use the computer for stuff like internet banking so is it in my interest to have it even though I am on a 'safer' operating system? Can anyone recommend a good one?

I mentioned 'pretty-much-successfully'. I have two issues: 1) Mounting external HDD, won't let me, and 2) Edimax Wireless. If anyone has any experience with these help would also be appreciated!

Thanks guys, Doug.

 

[Deamos]

Honestly, No system is 100% secure. However, I believe most of the linux based virus scanners actually scan for Windows viruses that might be transferred through the Linux system to a Windows based computer. Its up to you, I can say I do not run anti-virus on my Ubuntu Laptop.

 

[Irishwhistle]

First of all, no, you won't find yourself needing anti-virus in Linux.

As far as the wifi card is concerned, have you tried "System > Administration > Restricted Drivers Manager"? That's where I always go first to work out a driver issue.

 

[bengal85]

Honestly, No system is 100% secure. However, I believe most of the linux based virus scanners actually scan for Windows viruses that might be transferred through the Linux system to a Windows based computer. Its up to you, I can say I do not run anti-virus on my Ubuntu Laptop.

He is 100% percent right when ever I get asked about anti virus I say Better safe than sorry Get it now while you do not have any problems it could end up saving you a ton of money down the road.

 

[Irishwhistle]

He is 100% percent right when ever I get asked about anti virus I say Better safe than sorry Get it now while you do not have any problems it could end up saving you a ton of money down the road.

What do you know about Linux. Honestly, there's no need. A firewall, yeah, maybe, although it's not necessary, but antivirus? Not gonna do much for you.

 

[dug987654]

Thanks guys, decided to get Firestarter firewall and leave it at that.

Got the other two probs sorted as well thanks. Got another prob now but I will make a new thread under GCC.

 

[Irishwhistle]

Thanks guys, decided to get Firestarter firewall and leave it at that.

Got the other two probs sorted as well thanks. Got another prob now but I will make a new thread under GCC.

Cool, I've never even used a firewall with Ubuntu and never had a problem as it's just SO much more secure that Windows, but since as long as it's not significantly slowing down your system you might as well play it safe and use it.

 

[tlarkin]

Hi. I have just pretty-much-successfully got Ubuntu working on my computer. What I would like to know is do I need some anti virus/firewall software? I use the computer for stuff like internet banking so is it in my interest to have it even though I am on a 'safer' operating system? Can anyone recommend a good one?

Security is best done in layers. While, there are no such things as self propagating Linux viruses in the wild, that doesn't mean they can't and won't exist. Furthermore, there are root kits and trojan horses for Linux that exist and trick you into installing them and then they root your machine. Having an anti-virus wouldn't hurt but it also may never be used. As for firewalls and network security I always recommend a router that supports NAT and SPI firewall and you use that as your first line of defense. Client based firewalls can be good because they will monitor what your system is uploading/downloading while the router level won't. I don't run software based firewalls because I know what is running on my systems and I monitor it myself. Personal choice there.

I mentioned 'pretty-much-successfully'. I have two issues: 1) Mounting external HDD, won't let me, and 2) Edimax Wireless. If anyone has any experience with these help would also be appreciated!

Thanks guys, Doug.

First of all, what file system is your external HD? Plug it in, open up terminal, and type df and hit return. Copy/paste results here.

You need to be more specific with your wifi card issues, do you need help configuring it?