Ubuntu

firewall first or security updates first?

Asked by Eddie

Hi!

Regarding Ubuntu 7.04 for your PC, is it better to download and install Firestarter and then set up the firewall first, or is it better to download all the updates (using the Synaptic Package Manager) first?

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Best exactt (giesbert) said : 		#1

If you are already behind some kind of firewall (e.g. router) i would recommend updating first.
if you are connected directly you should just make sure that there are no services running. you could check via "nmap localhost" to search for open ports on your machine. But in case of a kernel bug you need the firewall. But there can also be bugs in iptables (which is probably used for the firewall). I think both a kernel bug and a bug in iptables are present in the versions that come from the feisty live-install-cd. but i don't know if they are of any harm or attacked/exposed from the net.
i would propose to get some kind of external firewall (e.g. router) then update and then install the firewall and then start whatever services you want run and open the according ports.

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Eddie (eddiemunster) said : 		#2

Thank you *very* much for your help, exactt; I really appreciate it.

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Eddie (eddiemunster) said : 		#3

Thanks exactt, that solved my question.