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Thread ID: 49670 2004-09-27 02:49:00 Do I need a firewall with Linux i-gordon (962) Press F1
Post ID Timestamp Content User
275937 2004-09-27 13:22:00 YES! (the short answer)
you absolutely need a firewall with Linux.
there are several available for free at normal download sites ..
Go get one now.. do not pass go and do not collect $200.00 till you get one.
fairway (5932)
275938 2004-09-27 14:04:00 Can I ask why I _need_ one?

I have a Router that does NAT?
Chilling_Silence (9)
275939 2004-09-29 10:20:00 :O You of all should know better than to ask this question ;-)

If you look at the principals of a firewall, you would understand that they give you CONTROL over what comes in and goes out of your computer(plus other things)
Don't be so nieve to think there is not malicious code written for Linux or for that matter any other operating system, Other than just MS windows..

On the other hand, if you feel the information on/in your computer is really worthless then by all means don't bother.
fairway (5932)
275940 2004-09-29 12:34:00 All Im saying is I know all that goes in and out of it. Im covered by the Router so people cant go knocking on ports I havent opened...

And for Malware to be installed - I'd have to run it myself.
There are no perfect software firewalls out there for doze anyways - They've all got issues.
None of the Doze firewalls do what I want (Stealth all ports execpt the ones I tell it to open) and to block all incoming traffic that I didnt initiate, and allow all out-going. Stuff bells / whistles, that's all I want but nobody can give it to me!

Only thing is, in Linux, Im not worried about weird ports sitting open because people can initiate connections and they're not going to get any programs with vulnerabilities.

Soon I'll be going back to Gentoo - I'll feel even safer then!

Ignorance is bliss!


Chill.
Chilling_Silence (9)
275941 2004-09-30 01:58:00 Most flavours of linux come with a built in firewall.
go check you have one at
www.grc.com
fairway (5932)
275942 2004-09-30 03:19:00 modprobe iptables

;-)
Chilling_Silence (9)
275943 2004-09-30 07:43:00 Chill, between you and me <S>
There will be a new operating system on the market within a year or so but wait, it will be my favorite as well ... real goooie (GUI)
fairway (5932)
275944 2004-09-30 07:50:00 B-) Chilling_Silence (9)
275945 2004-09-30 07:54:00 > Chill, between you and me <S >
> There will be a new operating system on the market
> within a year or so but wait, it will be my favorite
> as well ... real goooie (GUI)

Blatanly sticking my nose in here too, what is this *new* operating system? You can't just give vague hints like that :D

New as in the whole shooting box from the 101010 upwards, or new Linux Distro? Really hope you are not meaning Longhorn :p
Jen C (20)
275946 2004-09-30 08:27:00 Ahhh Jen....

Some are destined to know - Some are not..... ;-)
Chilling_Silence (9)
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