Can someone experienced with Ubuntu tell me if it is necessary/advisable to run a firewall with Ubuntu.

And is Zonelabs' ZoneAlarm Free version compatible with Ubuntu ?

That's the good thing about Linux,you really don't need a firewall or antivirus but what you can do is go to:
https://www.grc.com/x/ne.dll?bh0bkyd2
Click on proceed and do a complete port scan,as you will see all ports are stealth on Linux.Linux uses a very good iptables based firewall by default.There is a firewall for linux,it's called Firestarter.It basically gives you a GUI for iptables and you can open ports with it and stuff or just leave it alone.Once installed you will find it under administration.Go here for more info:
http://www.ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=362056&highlight=firestarter
Also this site will be your best friend:
http://www.ubuntuforums.org/index.php

ZoneAlarm can only be run on the windows OS.

Thank you, sirs, for your replies to my question.

Personally, i use firestarter and have had no problems. Also, i am connected to a hardware firewall. That's always another good thing to have.

_________________
Microsoft Valuable Professional--Consumer Security 2007-2009

http://geekfox26.blogspot.com/

Hello,
First, ZA won't work in Linux.
Second, default Ubuntu comes with no open ports, so you don't need a firewall.
Third, if you want, you can use a simple one, like iptables or such. I can give you a 5-line script that will serve as a basic inbound firewall if you want.
Fourth, even if you use nothing, you're still good. It's Linux, not Windows.
Mrk

GUI frontends for iptables are a recipe for disaster. Said GUIs are typically used by people that aren't wiling to take the time to learn how to do anything more involved than pointing or clicking. In this case the GUI will simply allow you to either screw things up faster, or to wrap yourself in a false sense of security. If this is the case for you, it would probably be best for you to return to the land of winblows.

I'm using Klikit Beta 1.8 which is a modification of 'buntu, it has no firewall, but could if I so chose. There is also an antivirus called CLAM AV that several commercial distros tweak and include so you'll buy them, but as of now they aren't needed.

Prolly in a year or a couple, but not now.

Woodsmoke

i have checked all ports in grc

and ubuntu did not pass the stealth test

all ports are closed but not in stealth mode