Does Linux need an Anti-Virus?

Paul6 Replies

Anti-virus Programs and Linus Torvalds

Hey let’s face it with the recent virus problems Machnitoshes has had, we’ve got a bit of problem on our hands.   I’ve come to the realization that there must be a way to protect my Linux operating system much better.   Although there are several different programs out there that can be used with Linux.  I however wanted to talk about the necessity of having a program installed and running to better protect me from doing something bad.   Hey I admit it, I occasionally click on links when I shouldn’t and also occasionally like to see what is in my spam folder just to make sure I am not missing something that I should.

Is Anti-virus Really needed for Linux?

There have been advocates for Anti-virus programs for the Linux community over the past few years.   I have been one of those myself.

 

Any antivirus/spyware needed?

 

I have been an advocate of “Linux” “doing” “enabling” antivirus/spyware for over 6 years now….it WILL hit “us” sooner or later….but given the money involved I think…..MUCH later….so….no, for now, do not worry about it at all.

If you get “something” that says it is “checking your computer” it is because WINE has automatically been enabled and the malware is seeing that and NOT Kubuntu….so….ummmm….close the browser….re-open and get on with your malware free life.

Via Kunbuntuforums.net

Now I tell you,  What is wrong with this picture?   Are the Linux users acting a little like Apple users, and thinking they can’t get a virus.   I won’t say that right now there are any viruses in the wild but I would caution everyone not to consider your system invulnerable even though there aren’t as many reports of virus out in the wild.   It will hit us next if not this year probably in a year or two.

Linux is Next for sure!

I don’t say that lightly, I am sure in the coming years to even months that the malware writers and virus writers will be looking at Linux more and more.   With Apple just being hit and finally admitting that they have been hit with a virus, you can bet that some of the Apple users will convert to Linux just because they were using Apple’s believe that they were immune to viruses and malware.   They will come and when that comes the eyes of the world will be on Linux users.   It will be our job to get ready for these nefarious users and fight them off.   So I call to the community to get ready for this to happen.   I know it is coming almost as much as I know I am going to keep blogging.   Only time will prove me right, but I know it is going to happen and if your not ready then you can only blame yourself.

Stay Safe

Paul Sylvester

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How to customize your WordPress Theme : Overview!

Paul1 Reply

Theme are so simple!

You’ve probably read on one way or another from other blogs on how to do it.   I have thought it would be nice to discuss this at a really long length to help other bloggers customize their themes and you don’t have to pay for anything.   You can download free themes from WordPress or other sites and get any free theme and make it your own.  Editing a theme is not rocket science just a little know how and learning.   I’ve learned all this over my past few years and thought it would be high time to help others with the task.   If you ever wanted to edit your theme to make it more personable then this little tutorial is for you.

Explaining themes : Task at hand!

I won’t say the task at hand is going to be an easy one, and that I will be talking about how to do everything to your theme, but I will be talking about several areas of theme editing and customization and you are going to want to stay tuned.   In this series, I will be talking about:

  • Customizing your header

  • Customizing your sidebar

  • Customizing your content

  • Customizing your Footer

  • Adding ads to post using the Themes Function

  • Why you would want to customize your theme

As you can see this will be a little more in depth then what others might of done or not done.   I don’t know but I wanted to add my own spin to the discussion.   Anyone can edit a them but do you want to break it?   That is the most important question.   I am not going to tell you every nuance and what will happen if you do all this but this is going to be a great general guide for anyone who might want to get there feet wet and learn something new.

Why you would want to customize you theme!

If we all had the same theme, then blogging wouldn’t be so enjoyable.   I actually like going to other blogs and seeing what type of changes they have done with their theme.    I personally like to change my theme every so often to get a fresh look and feel to my theme but others like to keep the same theme for years and years and that is all fine.   It is just more about preference than anything else.   I am sure someone wants some advice on how to make a theme work with yours.

Programs needed

I’m not saying you need these programs but it will make it far less troublesome if you do use them.   You can easily use an easy text editor to edit your php files but I prefer to use some kind of PHP editor to help me code and see the path of where everything is going as I customize my themes.   Here are some programs to consider installing and using these to make your theme more your own:

  • XAMPP — Great way to see what the theme will look like before you go live with your website.   You can test out various things before anyone even sees your website or knows that you will be changing it.   Works on Linux, Windows and Macintosh

  • Notepad++ — This is a good editor for those who might want to use Windows Machine.   I do not know if it is for linux but You can always try “Sudo Apt-get Install notepad++” to find out.

  • gPHPedit — This is a good little PHP editor but it is mainly for linux.   It is one of those that might be good for occasionally editing.   I like it but can be a pain if your not used to it all.

  • Screem — I like it better than gPHPedit but  it does take some getting used to.   It is also just Linux based right now, so you will have to look for a free php editor for you system elsewhere.

These are just a few of my picks.   If you like them or hate them, I’d like to know by leaving a comment.   If you have other suggestions, please feel free to leave a comment also, so Others can try them out and see if they are right for them.

Stay Safe

Paul Sylvester

 


 

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Apple Needs to Worry about Security and Virus!

Paul2 Replies

Let’s Face It, Mac isn’t Virus Free no more!

I know I’ve been saying this for a few years, but In all truthfulness it is more of a fact than a few years ago.   Apple needs to change their policy on how they do commercials.   I don’t say that light hearted because I actually think the commercials are really funny sometimes but that is besides the point.  They have not in the past changed their tactics because of the new malware that is going about.   Some experts are saying this malware doesn’t require you to enter a password or even have you allow or deny the installation.  Although, I have no Apple computer to test this observation, it seems quite possible depending on how people have their system setup.   Thought most Mac users are not thinking about security or even the possibility of a virus because of the advertisements that Apple has put up in the past.   More and more their seems to be a growing number of viruses and malware for the Macintosh.

Security Through Obscurity is No More with Apple!

I say that know that in the past most Apple users always thought since the Operating system of the Apple was not well known that they could get away with installing unknown software or programs that Windows users would think twice on.   I honestly don’t see how people would download bit torrent files thinking that they were safe on the Mac because “Apple Could never get a Virus” advertising has stuck in their minds.   Yet Apple has in the past fought this through new changes to their advertising but the fact remains anytime you think of a Macintosh, you first thought would be about it being Virus.   I know some of you probably though the first thought would be the speed and ease of the Operating, and although that is true that isn’t my thought when I think of a Apple Operating System.

Don’t Presume anything!

I might not be a Mac User but I don’t presume anything when it comes to running a Windows or even a Linux Operating System.   That Being said when Apple finally realizes that they are no longer able to hide from the bad guys, then we will see them start fighting back.   Until then though, most Mac Users will make the mistakes they have always done because of Apple stance and the ignorance of the problem.  I have said how hackers will start targeting Apple Users and this seems to be the case even now.   If you have a Mac Machine, I suggest looking for a good Antivirus and sticking with them.   You are not longer safe not having an Antivirus software installed on your system.

Stay Safe!

Paul Sylvester

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How to Get a Free VPN for Ubuntu/Kubuntu!

Paul3 Replies

 

Is there a Free VPN for Linux?

Use Coupon Code “savenow15” AND SAVE 15% on the lifetime of your account!I had to search both high and low.   It took me several hours and searching to find a viable option for me.   I wanted to share this so others wouldn’t have to work as hard to surf safer on the web.   If your like me, I like to go to free wifi spots to blog or even just surf the web.   I don’t want anyone getting my personal information so I would always have to use Windows.   I really got fustrated having to always load Windows when It was just easier to load up Kubuntu.   I know in the past this was something that was never really an option because you’d have to be a real geek to do anything like this.   Thanks to the open community of Linux, we have a viable option now for those who aren’t technically geeks but would still like to keep their web surfing secret from prying computers on an open wifi spots.

How to setup your free VPN for Kubuntu!

 

  • If you haven’t updated to Kubuntu 11.04  or later then you will need to make sure you have that version or later for this tutorial to work.  You can also use Ubuntu 11.04 or later but the screenshots will be for Kubuntu, so there may be some difference in looks and names but should be relatively the same.

  • Book Mark the FREE US PPTP VPN site — This is essential because the problem with this free VPN service is that changes every 12 hours.   This however isn’t a big problem because if your using a VPN for Wifi Hotspots.   It just means everytime you go to a wifi spot you will be unsecure until you go to the bookmark and change the password.  To Bookmark the site you can easily just press CLT-D.

If you have done those two steps then you are ready to setup your VPN.

Setting up the VPN

This is going to be relilitivly simple, because if your using the Linux you will know some of this already.

  • Go to your Network Manager —  There are 2 ways to do this.   You can find it on your toolbar either being a Ethernet or Wireless icon, just right click it and choice “Network Manager Settings” or you can click the “Start > Applications > Settings > System Settings > Network Settings”.

  • Once there you will want to click VPN

Click to see larger picture

  • Click the Add Button

  • As you can see if you have booked mark that page I told you earlier to go to.  You will need to add the Gateway, username and password(remember this password is only good for a few hours, so remember this step). Then click “Advanced”

 

  • You will only need to do this once.   Uncheck all in the Authentaction area but the MSCHAPv2 and Check “Use MPPE Encryption” but do not check the “Use Stateful Encryption”, if it is checked uncheck it.   Then click OK!

  • Hit Ok or Apply and exit out of the manager.   You may have to reboot to get the new settings to activate.   I had to with my current system but that was only when creating the new VPN, after that it work fine.

 

You will need to edit the password everytime you want to use the VPN but if you have made it this far than you should be all set to use the VPN to safely surf the web.   In order to change the password just remember the first 2 steps and instead of adding a new VPN just edit the one you created and change the password and hit Apply when done.   I hope this has helped other Linux users to surf the web safely on free wifi spots.   Enjoy!

*Update*

There seems to be a kde4d Bug and ntrack bug that causes the menu bar and toolbar to freeze.   Just thought you’d like to know!!

*Update #2*

There are another site that you should also check out for a Free VPN Service:

 

If I find more sites that you can use to get a free VPN with PPTP then I’ll update this as soon as I find them!

 

Paul Sylvester

 

 

 

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