On 2 Jul 00, at 20:59, Mark Weaver wrote:
> I'm getting the definate impression that I should maybe have my security
> set as high as I can stand it just in case. There seems to be quite a
> few varied opinions and it's better to safe than sorry.
Security is one thing, paranoia quite another. If you set your
security settings to low during a Mnadrake install, it has something
to do with the permissions on your computer rather than security via
the internet. Of course, it a good thing to have good security, but
if you set the settings to high or paranoid, you won't enjoy working
on your desktop. Bar some, most Mandrake users use Linux at home on a
workstation or a small home network of 1,2 PCs. Now if you set the
settings as High, you can't access many programs as user because you
will not have access to execute them. Would that be beneficial?
A security setting as Medium is just fine. If you really do want to
ensure that someone else is not intruding upon your privacy via the
internet(if that is at possible), then you'll need to monitor the
logs /var/log/messages when you are connected. Close down and stop
ports that are unnecessary and stop unnecessary services like httpd,
and such likeon the machine. Not only are they security probs, but
memory hogs. A good place to get started is the security howto in
/usr/doc, as well as the system admin guide and network admin guide.
A good book that is very thorugh is Essential System administration
by O Reilly press.
Security is one thing, paranoia quite another. Remember, no security
settings can fully protect your computer. the best course is careful
monitoring, and that comes of need and habit.
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"So many people, so little purpose."
