IBM DeveloperWorks has published an introductory-level tutorial on “hardening” the Linux desktop against malware attacks and illegal access. Security expert Jeffrey Orloff offers tips on antivirus software, backup-restore, and firewalls, in a tutorial that lasts over two hours, and requires registration.

Tutorial reveals desktop Linux security tips

Back Up/Restore Hard Drives And Partitions With CloneZilla Live | HowtoForge – Linux Howtos and Tutorials

This tutorial shows how you can back up and restore hard drives and partitions with CloneZilla Live. CloneZilla Live is a Linux Live-CD that you insert into your computer; it contains hard disk and partition imaging and cloning tools similar to Norton Ghost. The created images are compressed and can be transferred to a Samba-, SSH-, or NFS server or to a local hard drive or USB drive.

Mac OS X targeted by Trojan and backdoor tool | Tech News on ZDNet

Two pieces of malicious software affecting Apple’s Mac OS X appeared this week: a Trojan horse with the ability to download and install malicious code of an attacker’s choice, and a hacker tool for creating backdoors, according to security vendors.

The Trojan — called ‘OSX.RSPlug.D’ by Intego, the Mac security specialist that discovered the threat — is a variant on an older piece of malicious code but with a new installer, Intego said.

Linux.com :: SimplyMEPIS: The best desktop Linux you haven’t tried

SimplyMEPIS: The best desktop Linux you haven’t tried
By Steven J. Vaughan-Nichols on November 21, 2008 (6:00:00 PM)

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Nowadays, everyone uses Ubuntu, most people have used Fedora, and many folks have tried openSUSE. SimplyMEPIS … not so many. That’s a shame, because this relatively obscure Debian-based desktop distribution from Morgantown, WV, is an outstanding desktop operating system. With SimplyMEPIS 8 at beta 5 and closing in on release, I tested the distribution and found it to be a keeper.

Mozilla has advised Firefox customers not to try add-ons classed as “experimental,” such as the recently released China Channel, because they could cause computer problems. Firefox add-ons allow users to personalize their browsing and add additional features, and because Firefox is open source, many of these add-ons are thought up by third-party developers. Add-ons classed as “experimental” are those still being tested, although they are available for public use. However, Mozilla does not recommend users downloading such add-ons unless they are very technically minded.

Mozilla Cautions Against Experimental Firefox Plug-Ins

Mozilla has released a new version of its flagship Firefox browser to fix a total of 11 vulnerabilities that expose users to code execution, information stealing or denial-of-service attacks.

Four of the 11 flaws covered with the new Firefox 3.0.4 are rated “critical” because of the risk of code execution attacks via specially rigged Web pages.

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The fastest way to raise the hackles of most U.S. IT professionals is to mention offshore outsourcing. Among them, there is a common perception that U.S. corporations are cutting IT budgets by laying off lots of IT professionals and shipping their IT jobs overseas, and generally wrecking a lot of IT departments in the process.

This perception has been driven by two sources: 1.) the media, which has latched on to outsourcing stories, and 2.) by several large and prominent U.S. corporations such as Dell and Citibank that have outsourced much of their consumer customer support to offshore companies in India.

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Starting to answer the clamorous demand from open-source fans, Adobe Systems plans to release an alpha version of its Flash Player technology on Monday for those using 64-bit Linux software.
Linux has moved more rapidly than Windows or Mac OS X to support 64-bit processors, in part because the developer-friendly compile-your-own-software ethos that prevails makes it easier for the technically savvy to make the switch. But one of the obstacles in the switch is that people could only use the 32-bit Flash plug-in, which meant that they only could use the 32-bit version of Firefox.
The company plans to release the software at its Adobe Max conference in San Francisco.
The 64-bit support will arrive on other operating systems later, Adobe said, but Linux fans get it first because they were the most vocal in their desire for it.
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Adobe answers cries for 64-bit Flash on Linux

Here is a article that I found and I thought that a few of you folks would like to peruse it and see what is out there that even you might not have used as of yet. Some are old favorites and others are not so well known, Baldy

The area of open source security software is growing rapidly, with a cornucopia of apps for every use: anti-spam, firewalls, forensics, encryption, log monitoring, passwords – the list is growing even as you read this.

In many cases, these open source security tools – many of which are free – are available for the Windows, Linux and Mac operating systems.

Let the downloading begin…

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Tips4Linux.com is a new Linux Tips site that brings a new interesting small how-to every day. Learn how to add extra SWAP space on the fly or convert videos for PocketPC devices. Unmount stubborn devices or block IP’s with IPTABLES by adding them to a simple text file.

Give it a look nicely done with a lot of hints for the noob and the jaded user, Baldy

Tips4Linux.com – A New Linux Tips Site