About 2 weeks ago I logged in as root to change permissions on some files and I experienced some major slowdowns and behaviour that, in the windows world would likely be due to a bad driver, app, or a virus/script, etc. I'm unable to change permissions at times, the system becomes unresponsive with just 2 or 3 non-demanding apps such as 2 instances of konqueror & 1 instance of konsole open. I have no problems while logged into my user account, but under root things gum up real quick.

I'm running Kubuntu 7.04 on an old 1Ghz P3 system. I had the box connected behind a hardware firewall when I did the original installation, but have since moved and haven't had internet hooked up yet. That will happen next week, and I'd like to get the system secured before I get back online. I'd like to sort things out without wiping the drive if I can, but I'm way behind speed on linux security.

Anyone have a good starting point for me? Just a push in the right direction would be appreciated. What am I not seeing?

I'm posting from a friend's pc, but will be able to check back in at least once or twice before my own connection is back up.

Big THX!

qv