Newbee security advice needed please

[pjo123]

Please don't flame me when I say this, but at present, I have a dual boot system and before I dare log into my bank etc, I boot into windows as I feel that I know it's as safe and secure as I'm going to get it.

With windows, I have Zone Alarm Security Suite, Ewido Security Suite, Spybot S&D and MRUBlaster all running plus I regually run such things as Adaware, Hijack This etc. I also often run secutirty checks on various web sites and so far, I've been virus and trogen free.

I know that Linux is far more secure than Windows, but I need to be confident that the right software is installed and running correctly. I have writable access to windows partitions so I presume I need Antivirus software (althouch I suppose my windows AV should pick up anything dodgy?), plus a good firewall.

I presume from what I've researched that IPtables is the way to go for my firewall? Is there either an idiot proof guide or a simple frontend that you can recommend please?

What is a good AV please?

Do I need to worry about adware and spyware in Linux? If so what does the pannel recomend?

I've been reading through the `Gentoo Security Handbook` but am still completely lost as to where to start. This is a simple desktop PC where I do normal internet things such as manage my bank payments etc and sometimes play online games. There are only 2 users, me and my son, no remote logins although once I suss it out I will be accessing my other PC's Printer using I suspect, Samba (when I get that far), and will probably want to share a directory between PC's.

Many thanks for your patience

Phil

[codergeek42]

[John-Boy]

For a firewall, I use guarddog - I check my bank details, order stuff and the like with Gentoo - no problems whatsoever.
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Like the Roman, I seem to see "the River Tiber foaming with much blood"

[pjo123]

Thanks. Will have a look at both Guarddog and Firestarter.

Many thanks

Phil

[Carlo]