I'm considering whether to buy the "Move CD" so I'm evaluating the free DL Move version.

In that version, the firewall is OFF by default... the "Allow Everything (firewall off)" box is checked in the firewall settings. Nothing about that is asked during boot-up... you find that out only after checking after boot-up.... an odd default setting isn't it?

Anyway, then when I uncheck the "allow everything" box, I can't even browse the web... I'm disconnected basically. The sub-boxes that can be checked in the firewall settings all seem to be server-type and ping options. I don't want to be a server with open ports listening (not that checking any of those helped get me connected).

In short I can only use the internet if the firewall is off completely. Do things in this regard improve in the payed-for Move CD? How can I be firewalled to a reasonable extent (stealthed ideally) in the free version yet still use internet??

Thanks!

Is move the live version? So it doesn't actually install anything on your computer. It just boots up and you can add software to space on the disk rather than on your computer? In that case does it actually need a firewall?

Right it's the "live cd" and it is designed to incorporate a USB pen although I'm sure the HDD can be used as a base for installs.

The point is I'm able to read/write access everything on my computer's HDD via the live CD (and with NTFS there is at least read access). At least with FAT that means I expose any computer's files to damage running the CD... and certainly all files to at least access.... not to mention passwords (by key logging or ones that are saved). Come to think of it NTFS can be written to, but not without big risk of corruption.

The only thing not prone to damage/manipulation is the OS itself on the CD. With linux does a hacker *necessarily* need to mess with the OS files in order to gain access/control of the system? ...how about when there is no firewall even?? Wouldn't it just be an open door?

Thanks!

Sorry I'm not familiar with the live cd. But I've read that there are quite a few bugs in some versions so it could be that. (particularly version 10). You should be able to have a firewall, even if you can only read the files. It might have something to do with your modem. Can you get updates for the live cd? probably not as you can't change anything on it. You might find the paid for version works a lot better, or you could install mandriva on your hd. It works fine with windows as a dual boot.

Yep, wish I knew how the payed-for one works firewall wise. If it's the same, then the free version is really all I need... I'll just pull the LAN when I use it. There are only semi-minor issues with preferences that can't get saved in the free version.

As soon as I manage/bother to cleanly wipe my old fedora install (dual boot), then I'll HD-install a properly supported flavor.... Mandriva among others is promising.

The live CD's are just nifty in being able to turn any PC into a Linux box for the duration of using some of the nice programmes and features... too bad that they seem to have some draw backs.

I do have a link somewhere for turning any HD-installed mandriva into a custom Live CD... ah, here it is: Clicky. Maybe I'll try that in future.