Does my Linux OS need virus protection?

3 Comments

1. Aase says:

   1. September 2009 at 11:58

   Oh yes.
2. tempo1 says:

   1. September 2009 at 11:58

   There are a few (very few) "viruses" and other malware that target Linux operating systems because, just as you have suggested, Linux is such a tiny target for the criminals that code the malware.

   I believe that Avast has a free Linux anti-virus….just in case.

   Linux fanboys will always point to the time that Windows users spend removing malware.

   I always reply…."life is too short to spend it searching for drivers that work in Linux"

   I use both….I honestly prefer Windows….paid-for OS keeps people working…..

   Linux keeps aging hippies with gray pony-tails (and their hairy-legged girl-friends) busy. They are mostly socialists.

   These people hate successful people like Bill Gates, while conveniently ignoring the hundreds of thousands of jobs that Microsoft provides.

   Enjoy your Ubuntu….if you can…..but just like the Prius car….it ain’t gonna "save" the world.
3. marty p says:

   1. September 2009 at 11:58

   Any OS is susceptible to viruses, but linux much less so for the following reasons:
   It has a relatively small instllation base, thus making windows a much more attractive target of opportunity.
   It has a wide following of fanatics, who scour the code for imperfections as a service to the community. Thus, vulnerabilties are discovered and fixed much sooner than windows.
   Ubuntu has an update feature. Run it often, and keep current. You should be fine, if you are also following basic security protocols.