Old PC - Linux - Banking on Line etc

Marse

Marse

Marse

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I've got an old PC which is still a reasonable spec and is an unused spare in case needed.
I'm tempted to use it purely for on line banking and purchases to replace a really old Laptop I use for this purpose which is painfully slow.

I could give more of my hard earned money to M$ but am considering installing Linux instead.

I've tried a Ubuntu Live DVD and although I've never used Linux before it seems relatively straightforward, not least for my purposes.
It should obviously run much faster when installed.
One reason for using Linux is the potential security compared with Windows.
There seems to be a firewall present and AVG offer a free version for Linux.
There are inevitably a lot of applications in Ubuntu that I wouldn't need but could live with.

Any advice on how appropriate and secure Linux would be for this purpose and other constructive comments appreciated or should I just bite the bullet and go the Windows route.
 
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Linux is one of the safest on the market. And it's free!. I would opt to install Debian if I was you. Things aren't so cutting edge when compared to Ubuntu as they go through rugged testing, especially security as Debian is often used in servers. There are plenty of guides on the web for setting up anything from gnome, kde, lxde ... To i3 and GUI frontends to Debian and since Ubuntu is built on Debian foundations you will find most if not all commands in Ubuntu can be utilised in Debian.

You don't really need a firewall or anti virus. Keep the installation up to date, I.e update check every week.

IP tables is one method for firewalling the box but ultimately it will be firewalled by default as you will only be using the browser I guess.

I don't have a single windows installation at home. I have a partition which I use only for games.
 
Thanks for the replies.

inSilica: I'm looking at Debian but haven't quite got my head round all of it yet.
I suspect that with Ubuntu being based on Debian, Ubuntu then go their own way in a substantial way.
I assume the alternative is a more 'basic' approach of Devian to which a front end has simply been applied.

My inclination is to download a 'full' install rather than use a smaller download 'net install ?' and then download the balance during the install process.
I'm not sure if there are security implications of what could be a relatively lengthy download process during the install.

It would however be tempting to go for a minimal install since I need a browser and little else.
Similarly it would avoid having to update lots of apps which I would not need.
I'm not sure how practical or easy it would be to un-install a good many apps or if they would simply be re-installed on further upgrades to the basic install.

I've still got a lot more reading to do on this.

KIA: I had thought of simply using a Live CD which could be the best and easiest approach but wasn't sure if updated versions of a Live CD would keep pace with updates to Firefox, or similar.

If there was a significant delay then the Firefox version in use could be well out of date although I've no idea in practise how significant or lengthy that delay could be.

An approach I will certainly pursue.
 
The minimal net install Deb may confuse you more but it's worth it. You can customise pretty much everything and only install what you need. I run lxde and love the lack of rubbish tbh.

Windows is only a gaming tax to me these days
 
Thanks for the further info.

d_brennen: I've dabbled with a few Live iso's and there's an awful to get my head around but it's fun too.
I've just this minute completed a basic net install of Debian so I'll see what happens.

bledd: Thanks for the link. I'll have a read and see if I can sort out this out.
A minimal install is appealing but I could live with an easier and rather more substantial option - I may struggle and have no choice.
It could also be a safer option, at least till I get to grips with it, since I could easily make a few wrong choices along the way.
 
I'm using my 'old' PC with just one spare drive in place so I'm installing to that and then overwriting with the next distro.

I downloaded VirtualBox a while back although I haven't tried it yet.
I'll give the Linux version a try.

The net install booted OK although there's more on it than I expected.
Early days yet but at least I've got something to work from.
I'll check out an LXDE front end for it and a few other bits.

This could take a while.
 
just remember that ultimately the security of your online banking

ie transcations that you carry out online from and between accounts from your high street bank account

are only as secure as whichever system your particular bank uses

eg

Barclays

Membership No... or a choice of several other options to start sign in

random number geneartor ( card present, reader + PIN ) to complete sign in

( both the above must be completed within a specified time limit )

random number generation of various type(s) to complete different tasks (card and reader must be present + PIN)

The only thing I woud recommend NOT doing is - using a public access point/hotspot

EDIT

Use the VISA Guard system if it's available... another level of online security check which requires a alphanumerical PIN and your asked for random parts thereof :)

EDIT 2

Disconnection of HDD, IP tables etc are all very secure ...... but really for a lappy... waste of time if your bank system is not secure enough in the first place. I've used both Linux installs and MS on lappy... away from home... for banking for many years ... and both have had no problems. Only problems I do/have had ... is memorizing all the damn passwords etc :)
 
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