Our main computer is a Windows 7 box with the usual security preferences often discussed on Wilder's. Our spare computer, which I mostly use (my wife uses the W7 box the most) had W7 as well. I used to lurk here daily to get the latest info to protect the computers, but I stumbled upon Linux and accidentally wiped the hard drive on the spare computer. I installed Mint 9 XFCE, and the 10 year-old computer is faster and does nearly everything that the 1.5 year-old W7 computer does. And, the Linux box has no additional security. I know, I still could be compromised by phishing, redirects, MITM, etc...but, viruses and trojans are pretty rare, apparently. When I want to be more secure (online banking, etc), I use Lucid Puppy 5.25 Live DVD, and don't allow any changes upon shutdown. It is a bit like a virtual system--if I were to pick up a bug it is flushed at shutdown. Sweet! Puppy is quite fast, too. The downside? I'm a bit bored. I still lurk around Wilder's a bit, but I'm not nearly as security-paranoid as before. Anybody else have a similar "problem?"
Yup. On my old Athlon 1800+ that I used to run XP Pro, I had it nailed down with SRP, SuRun, AV, FW et al, but on December 8 2008, I was reacquainted with Linux (Intrepid 8.10 to be exact) and I have not looked back since. That computer now runs lucid and is my file/download server. I bought a Dell 1545, last June with 7 on it and after a month, making sure everything worked, set up a dual-boot with lucid. A few weeks ago, I removed 7 entirely, and set up XP in Virtual-box, if I should ever feel the need for MS. With Linux, all the "nonsense" that was a requirement in win, is no longer needed, and yes, it is quite boring. I still, occasionally, go to the win forums, but after reading a few posts, move on to something else. However, you may want to keep win on your computer for awhile, to get used to the linux world. Some keep a dual-boot permanently, to run the odd program that will not run properly in wine.
The truth is, there's no need for any extra maintainance in either windows or linux, so boredom is universal, but then you invest your energy in good stuff, like actually being productive. Mrk
Windows can be boring as well, if you setup policy restrictions correctly (LUA, SRP, etc). @colinp: Nonsense doesn't protect your computer, like your little comment.
Linux's security measures essentially boil down to package management and having separate user and admin accounts (needing password for admin/root) The second is easily accomplished with UAC. The first can be accomplished by only allowing digitally signed applications to be installed.
I understand what you're saying. It's probably the reason why i distro hop a little too frequently for my poor old run-down desktop.
wat are the security softwares that can be installed on linux? i have yet to try it when performing internet banking and online purchases java?
Java is far from a security software, it makes your computer more vulnerable. Personally, I use AppArmor and browser add-ons, along with some on-demand scanners. Most importantly, make sure you run as a normal user, not root.
In his case I do not think that boredom is universal. Boredom is not for Windows users. And frankly, I share his boredom as well since I moved to the Linux World full time. Back in the days when I was using Windows I used to live dangerously and I liked it somehow. The thrill and the excitement of virus catching and cleaning are actually outstanding. Going on Wilders to find out the lastest scoop and dirt in the Windows world is priceless. . Now my life with Linux is the following: No virus catching and cleaning and there is no thrill in finding out the latest on Wilders. . I even gave up on testing malware in my VM; what is the point when I cannot be infected by them anymore? . Thanks.
