Hi! Im running Gnome on fedora 5 on a desktop machine that is connented to the internet via a network. I leave my computer running pretty much all day and I never logout while leaving the computer. My "problem" is that I noticed that my network keeps receiving all the time, eaven when I have no programs that are connected to the internet running. The network activity is constantly aroud 0-100bytes/sec while the send activity is constantly 0. Is this a problem or is it supposed to behave like this?? Also, Im interessed in oppinions about the ethernal question wether viruses can or cannot infect Linux/fedora. Most people dont seem to have any virus protection software and the only ones I have heard say that viruses on Linux is an issue are the anti-virus software making corporations. Thanks in advance matte85

Google + Linux Antivirus = 24,100,000 hits ? I use AVG Keep the old stuff running

When Linux users employ antivirus solutions, they are protecting any Windows computers with which they may come in contact. If you do not forward email to Windows users, there is little reason to use an antivirus solution. Since fewer than 1 in 20 Internet users run Linux, and since Linux is designed for security from the ground up (it is a multi-user / multi-tasking OS) with a file system which implements user, group, and world level security, Linux is more difficult to invade than Windows, so it is not as attractive a target. This does not mean Linux does not have it's maladies, they are simply not viruses or worms as are used to attack Windows. Linux can be attacked by root kits (so can Windows 2000 and XP). I use a tool to check my system daily for root kits named rkhunter (stands for root kit hunter). It employs a database of known root kits which can be updated. rkhunter includes a version check and update function to help insure the most current information and software is being used. I have three cron jobs set up which run in sequence each day. The first checks that there is not a newer version available. The second checks for and executes any database updates. The third runs rkhunter to check my systen for root kits. If my system is off at the scheduled time for rkhunter to run, the missed job is captured by anacron, so I can be sure it runs each day my system is on. HTH, Ernie Registered Linux User 247790 ICQ 41060744

In answer to the incoming activity question: If you have a firewall running, there is no reason for alarm. If the send activity is a constant zero, you may be receiving packets from your gateway (or router) device. If your Network is behind a hardware firewall such as a router, and your computer's IP address is not listed on the router as being in the DMZ, there should be no cause for alarm. Ernie Registered Linux User 247790 ICQ 41060744

Thanks for these enlighting answers! matte85