Linux.com

If Ubuntu installed server programs by default (like apache or ssh) then I would agree, but it doesn't. So it doesn't have any ports open to attack. So it shouldn't include a firewall. But it does anyway, as the article explained. If you have an Internet connection then you may want to set up IPTables differently. but if you have an Internet connection then you can install a GUI configuration program (FireStarter is good) via Apt (Synaptic). I have installed Windows XP many times on other people's computers, and my current record for the time between activating a connection and getting a "Your computer will shutdown in 60 seconds" message (caused by a virus) is 4 seconds (and it has never been more than a minute). I am glad I usually have access to a broadband connection, since I then have a minute to get the ZoneAlarm installer. However, since a regular Ubuntu is safe to use without a firewall you can get a firewall configuring tool first, then enable any server-type software you need afterwards. Simple.

#