Ubuntu Linux Help

I had an interesting conversation yesterday about keeping your computer safe on the Internet. One of the issues raised was that Ubuntu was not as safe as Windows, because there was no Firewall software like Zonealarm; and instead Linux Ubuntu users had to install a separate physical firewall. “That is just not true!” Although I don’t think that’s quite what I said at the time… <smiling>

While I do agree (very much) that it is safe to maintain a separate physical firewall; many of us do not necessarily have the resources or technical skill to so this. There are several firewall applications that Ubuntu users can install on their local computers. One of them is called “Firestarter”.

Firestarter is an Open Source visual firewall program. The software aims to combine ease of use with powerful features, therefore serving both Linux desktop users and system administrators.

If their web site (and solution) interests you, you can install it in a terminal using this command (make sure the universe repository is available):

sudo apt-get install firestarter

After installing, you can use the easy “wizard” to configure and start your local firewall. To access the wizard, simple select “System” –> “Administration” –> “Firestarter” and follow the prompts.

The next screen simply prompts you to select the appropriate network card (Network Device Setup). Most of us only have 1 card installe, which by default is eth0. If you have more than one card the numbers increase as eth1, eth2 and so on…

In my case I do not use a modem (therefore no dial-out). IP addresses are dynamically assigned to my computer when I log in, (which is a default) so it may be a good idea for you to have that selected as well.

I do not need Internet connection sharing. (It’s better to use a router for that). I’ve made sure it is turned off. If you have another computer that connects to your computer for Internet access, then turn this feature on.

The next step (above) is simple, enable the “Start firewall now” checkbox - Easy!

After the firewall starts, you will see that you have access to edit various firewall options.

After starting the firewall (above) you will begin to see events as they occur. Using the example above, I can see the my Firefox browser accessing google.com (72.14.207.165).

I can also see Thunderbird accessing email. The reason why the colour is greyed out is because the session finished (terminated) - And it will no longer appear after 10 seconds.

Personally, I found this to be a great Open Source solution. Fast, simple and easy to install and get running in no time. Windows user, Zonealarm of course! Linux, Ubuntu user Firestarter!

If you’d like to read more, I found their web site here: www.fs-security.com/