Questions about Linux

[Rusty Venture]

I remember from the desktop thread that there are a few people on this board who use Linux as their OS so I need some advice.

I'm looking into ditching XP in the near future and get me a version of Linux, I am trying to decide between either Kubuntu or PCLinuxOS.

Which of those would be better for a noob to Linux? I've used a LiveCD for both and I really like PCLinux, but I hear Ubuntu mentioned more. Is one better than the other?

Both of these use KDE as opposed to the GNOME interface and I like KDE. Would it be worth my time to wait for KDE 4.0 to be released as opposed to using what is currently out there now?

What about making my computer secure in Linux? I'm not talking about Spyware or Viruses, I mean closing up open ports and such so people can't get in my computer. Can anyone point me to a place that might tell me how to close up unused ports or generally make my (possible) new OS as worry free as possible?

[evildragon]

i like ubuntu.. but frankly, i hate how you have to install applications from a command line most of the time.. when i got ubuntu, just to play an MP3 or DVD, i had to do quite some homework.. not fun at all...

[Ash]

Well, I can't comment on the distro's you've chosen but I have been using Fedora Core since v5 and it's now up to 7. By default, it installs a firewall to protect itself which is part of the installer. Getting MP3's to play on 7 was a bit of a pain in the ass since it's not provided "out of the box". Once I found a suitable plug in it was working great. I don't know if I would recommend a 64-bit version of linux, as plugins such as flash aren't supported yet for Fire Fox. There are ways to get the 32-bit plugins to work but I have not explored that option yet. There are software updates automatically and installing programs as long as there's an RPM is a snap, although there's plenty of available programs straight from the updater with no effort. I don't know if any of that helps, but thats been my experience so far.

[Vyse of Arcadia]

I remember from the desktop thread that there are a few people on this board who use Linux as their OS so I need some advice.

I'm looking into ditching XP in the near future and get me a version of Linux, I am trying to decide between either Kubuntu or PCLinuxOS.

Which of those would be better for a noob to Linux? I've used a LiveCD for both and I really like PCLinux, but I hear Ubuntu mentioned more. Is one better than the other?

Both of these use KDE as opposed to the GNOME interface and I like KDE. Would it be worth my time to wait for KDE 4.0 to be released as opposed to using what is currently out there now?

What about making my computer secure in Linux? I'm not talking about Spyware or Viruses, I mean closing up open ports and such so people can't get in my computer. Can anyone point me to a place that might tell me how to close up unused ports or generally make my (possible) new OS as worry free as possible?
I've never used PCLinuxOS, but Kubuntu is Debian-based, meaning it's pretty easy to use in general. Especially when it comes to installing software.

I wouldn't bother waiting for KDE4.

As for security, try googling "Linux firewalling."

[extrarice]

Fedora Core is a popular distro, meaning there are more packages developed specifically for it's RPM package management system, and that you might have an easier time finding help online. Ubuntu is a good system as well, though. I prefer Gnome over KDE personally, though KDS is a nice window manager. As for waiting for KDE4 to be released, you'll also have to wait for whatever distro you want to provide it, unless you want to compile and install KDE manually.

[Rusty Venture]

I took the plunge and here I am posting from my previously Windows box turned Linux computer.

All hail not being worried about friggin' viruses!

[FighterHayabusa]

I took the plunge and here I am posting from my previously Windows box turned Linux computer.

All hail not being worried about friggin' viruses!

So which distro did you end up installing? I'm a big fan of Fedora myself.
Oh, and just so that you know, there do exists viruses and other malware for Linux. It's just not as common and not as easily catchable because of the better security model (note: generalization).

[Rusty Venture]

PCLinuxOS 2007

Do you recommend a Linux anti-virus program?

Also I head there were less problems with Linux over Windows because Linux doesn't run executables automatically...unlike Windows.

[system]

Do you recommend a Linux anti-virus program?
There are no viruses, as you know them, for Linux. Or for any *nix or *nix-like operating system. That still doesn't mean you can be careless as the techniques commonly used by viruses are still available (i.e. buffer overflow is still as much a threat, it's just harder for an average user to get tricked into executing something at a privilege level that'll allow for it to do damage).

[Rusty Venture]

I do know to protect your Root and I don't sign onto that unless i'm starting my firewall or looking for updates.

I guess I still have some of that "Windows Paranoia".

Is there anything I Can use to help prevent me from spreading viruses to the Windows users I know?

[FighterHayabusa]

I do know to protect your Root and I don't sign onto that unless i'm starting my firewall or looking for updates.

I guess I still have some of that "Windows Paranoia".

Is there anything I Can use to help prevent me from spreading viruses to the Windows users I know?

As long as you don't pass along (i.e. forward) any Windows-viruses that you get through spam and such you should be OK. Clamav is a good application for taking care of viruses though and you can never be too careful.

As far as security goes I personally believe being a little bit paranoid is a good thing.

Just keep your software updated, shut down every service (daemon) that you don't need to have running, don't run any executables that you're not sure about and don't open any unnecessary ports in your firewall. Those simple rules should keep your PC out of trouble for quite some time.

I work in a Linux-only environment and use nothing but Linux and the occasional OSX at home so if you have any Linux/Unix-questions just throw them my way and I'll do my best to help you out.

[Rusty Venture]

I'm so paranoid I've got the firewall in PCLinux running, Firestarter, and my router doing their thing.

I really want to know how to make my computer as secure as possible...and to figure out how to run 3D Desktop. :D

[Austn Vodville]

Yeah, security is important.

[Rusty Venture]

Thanks for the help, Chief.

I'm glad you were banned.