Antivirus Programs For Ubuntu

Why I don’t use anti-virus programs in Linux:
http://www.consortiuminfo.org/standardsblog/article.php?story=20071117081545279

Why we won’t see an influx of Linux viruses even when Linux becomes the dominant OS:
http://www.consortiuminfo.org/standardsblog/article.php?story=20071117081545279

Windows? Is that garbage still around?

You mean that I should protect them of the menace that is based on their system? If I was maintaining the server, that would be ok. But no way that I will run antivirus to protect windows users. If we all ask them just not to use non-standard proprietary sormats (not programs, just formats) for the benefit of all, what would happen?

There are more virus for Windows do to the fact that it is easier to pick on, because it’s used more widely out there. As far as Linux, its more of an option. The use of Linux is still small even though its been around for a long time just more automated versus the base core Unix. But if you’re paranoid by all means go for it and have the comfort of feeling safe. Sooner or later in the future, Linux will grow as big as Windows and also be a target for future hackers.

It just comes down to it if you want to have anti-virus and spyware including a firewall also on your system. I run both operating systems on my computers and looking to get back into using a Mac, but deciding to use the Latest OS Aqua or previous versions; or just plain load in a Linux.
I have been hit by viruses unders Mac’s own OS before, the damage is minor to medium but not as bad as Windows.

MSN viruses do infect linux users. So even if you are using an alternative to msn like pidgin, asemene, or amsn, you will be infected and your friends will send you angry messages about infecting your computer. Remember that you are communicating with non-linux computers, so safety is still necessary.

Thanks, just what I was looking for.

As a network security professional, I will say the following on the debate over whether to use AV or not. It is everyone’s personal choice whether to install protective measures on one’s computer, however, if you think there are not virus’ that effect Linux machines, you are hopelessly wrong. There are many application specific, platform independent vulnerabilities and no shortage of malware code to take advantage of them. Aside from the obvious ugliness related to being a carrier, there are a host of other issues related.

Even if you ARE just a carrier for the botnet, spamming the universe with your own private drone, and nobody can actually get into your super secure linux host (which remains highly unlikely), at the very least, your bandwidth would be diminished. Your download speeds could be significantly lower and the increased load on your CPU could cause other applications to tank.

If you honestly think there is no way more virus’ will come out targeting linux users as its popularity grows, you are very foolish. REAL hackers, people who actually write the exploit code, are in it to target as many people as possible and the more popular an application or platform becomes, the more interested these people are in exploiting it.

Don’t get this thing wrong Steven.

A linux system may not be in a world of trouble if it has virusses on the computer, the thing is though if you sent a mail to a windows user you might want to check your mail is virus free.

You may not be affected by the virusses, but you could get other people in trouble. Now as a employee at a certain company that needs to send mail around to your clients, that would be the last thing you want to do . . .

This issue of virii on Linux should really be settled and clear by now. Pundits being what they are thrive on controversy but quite honestly that is not serving anyone but themselves. I am a 20 year user of Windoze and am thrilled to finally be almost entirely free for the last 6 months. Part of the decision was that bot and trojans are supposedly not an issue with Linux based OS, or are they? I am not an expert on Linux but there are enough of you out there to give a definitive answer. So, if you have nothing clear to say with verifiable support - then SHUT UP !

Well.

You need to decide for yourself.

1.Linux systems dosent get infected as often as windows do, but it will proably occur.
2. Why not?
- why not? it is for sure a good thing to have anti virus, Why throw it aside? if you one day get infected, it will come in handy.

Sorry for bad grammar, and spelling mistakes.
Im tired like hell.

Best regards, Christian.

And another thing, why do you claim that Avast is better then AVG?….

I am almost sure i can prove you wrong :)

Best regards. Christian.

Just to clarify, on Linux, Avast is better because it actually DOES SOMETHING while AVG for Linux only scans without removal.

On Windows, I would use AVG though. :)

Okay, i’m thinking about using linux in a dual boot environment with windows vista. There’s no doubt in my mind that my computer has the chance of being infected. I wonder, would it be best for me to use linux/ubuntu without virus protection and then run windows to scan for viruses and spyware. If I did this, would this keep me safe for the most part?

Mathew: First off, please don’t dual boot…especially with Vista. Do yourself a favor and either use Wubi or Acronis Disk Director Suite.

While it is “possible” to dual-boot, it is not for newbies when Vista is involved. ;)

As for Windows and Linux with viruses. Basically, I would just keep the AV stuff on Windows. While Linux can in theory, share them with other Windows users, there is no reason yet to bother with AV software on the platform just yet.

If you are hell bent on going AV on Linux, consider Avast. ;)

I am more or less a newbie & am currently dual-booting w/Vista & Ubuntu and it works beautifully, however I had a very skilled fellow set it up

I’m a new user of Ubuntu. I like it very much. I was really tired with windows and after a week I think I was attacked from a virus that has taken away the internet connection. I have made a new beginning with ubuntu and now everythings is Ok.

I’m not going to install any AV, I’ll only keep away from microsoft stoff.
Greetings from South Chile