Application suggestions for Web Browsing VM, Ubuntu 8.04

[KeithP]

I am setting up a virtual machine running Ubuntu 8.04 with VirtualBox running on XP Pro. I am doing this for a friend that seems to get into trouble with malware on XP on a semi regular basis.

I am hoping if he does all/most of his web browsing under linux it might help protect him from himself.

It any event, I am wondering if anyone would care to chime in on suggestions for applications for this purpose. It will strictly be for web browsing and web based email.

This is what I have installed so far:
FireFox 3.5
Flash
Acrobat Reader
ClamAV
Divx codec

Misc bits:
- I tried Ubuntu 9.04 initially but had some problems with it (I am a linux newb). 8.04 worked perfectly so I decided to go with that. Is there any reason why I should make the effort to get 9.04 working? 8.04 seems fine to me.
- I realize XP isn't the greatest OS in regards to security. I will be moving my friend to Windows 7 before the end of year.
- I understand that the best thing to do would be to educate him so he doesn't do stupid things that get his system infected with malware. I have been trying that with some success but progress is slow.

Thanks for any input.

-KeithP

 

[Firsttime]

Why not have just set him up with a limited access user account?

 

[KeithP]

Originally posted by: Firsttime
Why not have just set him up with a limited access user account?

In Windows or Linux?

In XP I have had some problems doing that with programs that expect a admin user. However, when I move him to Windows 7 I will definitely set him up with a standard account.

In regards to Linux, I hadn't thought about that but it would probably be a good idea I suppose.

Thanks,
KeithP

 

[Ken g6]

Well, it's not *NIX-related, but you should put a call to dropmyrights in front of all of his XP web browser links. That will reduce the risk of infection when he does use XP.

See also http://www.mechbgon.com/build/security2.html, where I got this idea from initially.