Setting up Linux.

UNIX for Beginners Q & A UNIX for Dummies Questions & Answers
1

Dear Administrators and Moderators,

Normally I use Windows for browsing net, but few days back my pc was affected with virus.
One of my friend suggested me to use Linux for safe browsing.

I would like to know

  1. I have Mandrake 8.2(HDD) and Obuntu 9.x(CD) - which one is better (have limited knowledge in Unix)?

  2. Is it ok, if i access sites with "http://" instead of "https://" using Linux?

  • I used to type "https" with IE6 but from lynux I am getting a message that the certificate is not matching or ip address is different!

I am a Unix user with zero knowledge in security and net working areas,
so could you please confirm

  1. If i use Linux, do i need to set up firewall / proxy settings etc., for safe secure net transactions ?

Regards,
KS

2

For a newbie, I'd go with Ubuntu. It is easier to install and maintain. I haven't had any problems accessing secure sites with Firefox on Ubuntu so I'm not sure about your other question. The secure transaction and SSL certificates act the same as far as I can tell.

Others can chime in and give you some more pointers.