Thread: Securing Ubuntu for Peace of Mind

hi all! i'm not totally new *nix, since use solaris time @ college. in fact, use unix lab things checking email, facebook, checking bank balance, etc etc, totally avoiding windows lab @ every opportunity. love environment, file management via terminal, , differences windows. now, long time windows user, , have windows 7 installed on dell inspiron 1501. use mcafee virus scan, firewall, , other protections. in fact, i'm used needing such security suite, cfind terribly hard believe if started using ubuntu primary os, i'd love do, not need these program suites. it's blasphemous! see how ubuntu, example, has no viruses because it's not target malicious intent, , there's no need virus scanner (although want know how handled if need 1 arises). 1 thing bothers me more that, however, seemingly trivial attention paid internet , system security. now, i'm darn used being able open mcafee , hit "stealth" make computer secure possible without killing internet connection, can't wrap head around firewall in ubuntu. sure, i've messed in vm, there's many utilities configure iptables (firestarterm lokkit, guwf, etc etc) can't seem anywhere. so, here's want know:

1.) there utility out there manipulating settings of ubuntu firewall such it's easy point , click?
2.) such utility @ disposal, safe in doing things online purchasing, paying bills online, managing bank accounts online, etc etc ubuntu?
3.) there add-on fior firefox, love, protect me malicious software (malware, spyware, adware), or non-issue in linux? use mcafee siteadvisor general idea of site's safety, , haven't had infection in windows 7 yet. takes me "do want go page?" page before let's me navigate further, giving me opportunity out safely.

guess i'm drawn lies of anti-virus companies , full of windows-based fears. can someone, anyone, blind me truth here? i'd prefer use ubuntu i've had taste of it.

i don't use anti-virus myself; not because they're not needed, because aren't catching 'linux viruses' per se.

firefox, there noscript. it'll take getting used to, though.

Forum The Ubuntu Forum Community Ubuntu Specialised Support Security [ubuntu] Securing Ubuntu for Peace of Mind

Ubuntu