On 2009-01-27T17:14:13, Jay Mistry <jaylinux53@gmail.com> wrote:
I use openSUSE 11.1 Linux (dual-boot with Win XP Prof.) for general home use (browse Internet, documents, occasional music/video view, etc). For this type of use, are either/both of these required: I have an always-on cable Internet connection (broadband).
1) A Firewall (default App Armour is enabled)
2) Anti-virus (opSUSE 11.1 has clam antivirus)
Should one leave them on & update as necessary or is it safe to browse without them enabled ?
The threat model on Linux seems to subtly differ from Windows; user files cannot infect the binaries installed. Not to mention a rather distinct lack of Linux viruses in the wild. So AppArmor as an additional security model (it's not a firewall) and enabling the firewall (which ships enabled by default, I think) should be plenty safe. (I personally don't even bother with AppArmor.) Oh, and backups of course. If you want to be really paranoid, add an additional user just for web surfing, which then can't reach the files/mail of your other account. Regards, Lars -- Teamlead Kernel, SuSE Labs, Research and Development SUSE LINUX Products GmbH, GF: Markus Rex, HRB 16746 (AG Nürnberg) "Experience is the name everyone gives to their mistakes." -- Oscar Wilde -- To unsubscribe, e-mail: opensuse+unsubscribe@opensuse.org For additional commands, e-mail: opensuse+help@opensuse.org