Hey, sorry if there is already a topic about this, I can only find the more technical questions and answers about security.
I know a lot of people say you don’t need antivirus… but from someone that is new and trying to figure out the simple things like how to download and install software, I get nervous that i could be installing something that I shouldn’t.
What are peoples opinions for setting up a antivirus like ClamAV or firewalls for someone that is fumbling around trying to learn about linux and computers in general? Or could you point me in the right direction if there has already been discussions like this.
Thanks for your opinions in advance
I have moved your post to the Lounge, which is for more general types of discussions.
The question of antivirus/firewalls is asked often and there are many opinions about it.
The main points to consider are these:
- Ubuntu is already secure out of the box
- You can enable the firewall if you want to but unless you understand firewall rules it does not really make sense to play around with it
- You really only need antivirus if you share files with Windows users. Linux antivirus solutions such as ClamAV are known to produce many false positives
- Only install software from the official Ubuntu repositories
Here is one resource to start learning more about this subject:
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If you are truly new, install your software from App Center. That’s why it is there.
The software in App Center is safe. It’s tested. Go there first.
Downloading software from random websites is the #1 way folks break their systems.
It’s a habit you must unlearn. It’s how folks install something that they shouldn’t.
Good security in Ubuntu is more a set of good habits and learning than reliance upon specific tools.
ClamAV will protect your system from Windows viruses. It is unlikely to be very useful for you.
The Linux way is to limit permissions so malware cannot use their designed exploits. That’s why you have a user account – to contain. Safe by default. That’s also why you will see us recommend regular backups.
A firewall is built in to every Ubuntu system. It’s set to ACCEPT all inbound and outbound packets simply because a stock Ubuntu system has no exploitable open ports. It has open ports, but none are exploitable. None. Secure by default.
The #1 cause of malware penetration that I see uses the social vector: A website convinces you to click upon a link or to download their cool game or shiny new application. Neither Antivirus nor firewall protect from those. If you download and install software from the dirty, dirty internet, the problems they cause are on you. We advised you to use App Center.
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I haven’t even contemplated the word virus since 2009 when I abandoned MS Windows. I do suggest having firewall active. ufw status or just ufw for a list of commands/options. And PS I use Ubuntu right out of the box. I don’t like re-engineering the system and then blaming Canonical for the results. I stick with App Center for apps and use snaps where possible.
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