Disabling unnecessary network services for security

Hi guys,

I read an article on distrowatch about PC security and enabled network services as a way for bad guys to get into your PC. The author recommended stopping networks that aren't necessary as a precaution.

I installed and ran "nmap localhost" in a shell and got the following report:
PORT STATE SERVICE
139/tcp open netbios-ssn
445/tcp open microsoft-ds
631/tcp open ipp

Questions:
1. Do you agree that shutting down unused network services makes sense from a cybersecurity perspective?
2. If you do, then which services from the above report, if any, should I shut down and how do I do it without screwing up my PC?

FYI: I'm runnng Zorin 8.1 on a Dell Inspiron 530.

Thanks in advance for the help.

Best regards,

kengator

Hi, I think I read somewhere that those ports are needed for outside connection and are open as part of Firewall settings - these ports should be OK for most users unless running a server.

http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=1032603

You should also consider upgrading to Zorin 9 if your machine will take it or downgrade to Zorin 6 LTS as 8.1 is almost end-of-life (17 July 2014!)