changing to ubuntu?

teleaddict

I have recently installed ubuntu 12.04 on my computer running alongside win xp. (I'm looking at a cheap upgrade, as I don't have any discs for my win xp) So far when I've had a play with Ubuntu I've been impressed at how quicker things are.
However there's a couple of things I can't get me head around. With Ubuntu do you still need anti virus software & firewall software. I've read in various places you don't, but others say you should.
Are the same ports not still open in ubuntu as they are in windows and therefore open to attack etc?
Any advice from those with more experience would be greatly recieved.
Also I'm having difficulty in getting my head around downloading software. There is the easy option of the software centre within Ubuntu, but I've found that more up to date versions tend to be available from the hosts website , but the installation is a little more complicated than downloading an installation file. So again if anybody can make the murky waters a little clearer, tanks in advance

timbim_2

I'm a full time Ubuntu user now, so I can speak from experience of having made the same decision as you in the past.

In terms of security, there's no need to have any form of anti-virus installed, Ubuntu is inherently secure, and any security issues get rapidly patched by the developers rather than relying on external companies to do it for them. For this reason, it's critical that you install updates as they become available. By default Ubuntu uses the ipTables firewall, which is very well respected throughout the IT industry. To administer it, there's a tool called UFW (Uncomplicated Firewall), which is in fact reasonably awkward. It does have a GUI, and there are loads of tutorials out there. Generally, however, you shouldn't need to worry. Most people don't need to fiddle with firewall settings. The only other thing is to make sure your password is secure.

In terms of software, the you should be able to find the vast majority of what you want through the software centre. Installing other packages from .deb files is also very straightforward. A .deb is essentially the linux version of a windows installer exe. Simply download the file, choose to open it with the software centre, and it will be installed. You might come across stuff you have to build yourself, but only if you're looking at seriously bleeding edge packages or very unusual stuff. In these cases, the downloaded files usually contain a guide for how to compile and run them.

If you run into trouble, head over to the Ubuntu Forums, where there are loads of experts on hand.

NiftyDigits

Does your PC have a brand name and a COA sticker?

bluesnake

just be a bit weary about eternal items and their drivers, like phones, cameras, graphics cards, etc, if you use them.

John_Gray

bluesnake wrote: »

just be a bit weary about eternal items and their drivers, like phones, cameras, graphics cards, etc, if you use them.

I agree that trying to get external items to work on Ubuntu can make one weary! I've found wireless cards to be particularly tedious to get supported, and had to give up completely with one particular model. Even more annoying when it is accepted without question by Windows.

InsideInsurance

There is no inherent security in any system, though their default settings help, but there is the fact that there are far fewer viruses written to target linux based systems and the nature of the average linux user is very different to the average windows user.

I do agree however that most linux developers are quick to patch vulnerabilities and most linux users are quick to apply patches (the later being a key difference to windows users)

If you run a pure Linux setup then you may decide to take the option that many do and not run any AV to save that 3% of processing power etc. If you run a mixed OS environment then it may be worth considering AV, less for the infection of your own machine but to prevent it passing anything to any Windows based machines on your network.

C_Mababejive

I also have dual boot ubuntu and windows on my Tosh lappy but to be honest,it hasnt used windows for years and i am a confirmed ubuntu user.

I dont have any AV software and i dont have a software firewall . The only thing i have is my router and of course i run ubuntu in a user account rather than as admin.

There are issues with some lappys and wireless if your unlucky.

My latest issue is to get a HP laserjet printer to print wirelessly but seriously,compared to windows,im not worried and would never go back.