Linux Viruses?

[Vaanish]

Is Linux like mac OS X in that it doesn't suffer from viruses because hardly any are written for it, because the home user base is so much smaller than Windows, and windows viruses don't effect it?

Also, running Ubuntu 7.10, do you need to get an extra firewall or anti-virus or does it come with security stuff already running in the background?

Thanks.

 

[jakec]

There are not any Virues that threaten windows, you are secure. no you don't need any extra Anti virus/spyware protection however if you are so inclined you can look into Clam AV: Clam AntiVirus

cheers,

Jake

 

[Disillusion]

There are two reasons Linux doesn't get effected by viruses. First reason is because, like you said, it's a relatively small portion of users out there. Second reason is because Linux is a lot more secure than Windows is. You must have root or super user privileges to modify any system file, or change any system configuration, or install anything at all. With Windows, you're usually already logged in with Admin privileges, so any program can do anything it wants.