The Members Forum

barney · Administrator / Manager

10+ mistakes Linux newbies make

Vindicated · Administrator / Manager

...and most important is:

12: Ignoring security because it’s Linux

A big part of me still wants to boast and say, “In the 12 years I have used Linux, I have never once had a virus or worm or been hacked.” Although that is true, it doesn’t mean I should ignore security. I have witnessed the effects of a rootkit on a Linux machine. They aren’t pretty and data will be lost. Tell your users that they can’t ignore security just because they’re using Linux. Security is crucial, regardless of the OS.

NicKnayme · Manager

Related security information:

http://tmf.activeboard.com/forum.spark?aBID=128018&p=3&topicID=36182289

Alan

Vindicated · Administrator / Manager

NicKnayme wrote:

Related security information:

http://tmf.activeboard.com/forum.spark?aBID=128018&p=3&topicID=36182289

I'd take TechRepublic’s Jack Wallen's advice over 'Rick's Rants' anytime!
smile

barney · Administrator / Manager

To add my 2 cents Linux knowledge (for what it is worth)..... I polled several high volume Linux sites (one with over 9 million posts) and no one ever said that their computer was compromised by malware.

However, that being said, security is still a very big part of Linux, as with all operating systems. It is not by coincidence that the most secure networks run Linux servers. There are Linux viruses out there, but they are difficult to apply (the administrator has to go to great lengths to make the virus hose their system) and if their system gets nuked, that system is the only one. Other computers do not get infected. So a virus that attacks a linux computer only attacks one computer, as opposed to a Windows virus, worm, or trojan that spreads like a case of the measles.

Nothing is executed in Linux without the system administrator's explicit permission. There is no such thing as a "drive by" infection. And, usually, most Linux systems have an antivirus installed when they are on a Windows network if you are perhaps running a mail/file server and want to ensure clean files and emails with your Windows clients..

-- Edited by barney on Sunday 30th of May 2010 09:31:24 PM

-- Edited by NicKnayme on Monday 31st of May 2010 03:12:12 AM

NicKnayme · Manager

So...where is Jack Wallen's advice? I don't see it here!?

Alan

hrsetrdr · Member

Mistake #11: Losing windows to the pager

Interesting, I never heard of multiple desktops referred to as that. I just recently really started using multiple desktops becasue I'm monitoring my folding@home machines in an app called hfm.net. I leave the app window and terminal open on one desktop, the actual f@h terminal in another, my evolution mail client in a third, and use the last desktop to do my web browsing,etc

Vindicated · Administrator / Manager

NicKnayme wrote:

So...where is Jack Wallen's advice? I don't see it here!?

Alan

It's the first post in this thread.
"This is a guest post by TechRepublic’s Jack Wallen."

NicKnayme · Manager

Vindicated wrote:

NicKnayme wrote:

Related security information:

http://tmf.activeboard.com/forum.spark?aBID=128018&p=3&topicID=36182289
I'd take TechRepublic’s Jack Wallen's advice over 'Rick's Rants' anytime!

I know nothing of either author...I only put out this stuff for others to consume (mainly Barney).

I have enough trouble keeping up with Windows problems to take-on Linux...at the present.

Vindicated · Administrator / Manager

Excuse me, Alan -- I was just answering your question:
"So...where is Jack Wallen's advice? I don't see it here!?"