Ubuntu

Do I Need Antivirus for Ubuntu?

Asked by taurus

I have Ubuntu 7.10, and I want to know if I should install an antivirus program for it? Thanks.

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Gonzalo Díaz Cruz (sirgon) said : 		#1

In most cases, simply NO.

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tanajaya (budy-tanajaya) said : 		#2

I use ubuntu from Feisty and have been surfing around and haven't got any virus at all, I install AVG though..... just in case

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douglas_smith (hamsterzombie-deactivatedaccount) said : 		#3

hmm, if you're really paranoid, do:
sudo aptitude install clam-av

Linux isn't as skanky as windows, so you can ride her bareback if you like...
=)

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Bhavani Shankar (bhavi) said : 		#4

Hello taurus:

Viruses arent easy to program in linux because of Ubuntu/Linux has very CLEAR definitions of groups and users, file ownerships and permissions.. So In ubuntu/linux if at all a virus is there it can affect only the user who ran the program.. And because of the file ownerships and permissions the USER will have a control over the system unlike in windows where the OS has control over the machine.. This makes Virus development in linux difficult to say the least..

Ref this article for more info:

http://www.securityfocus.com/columnists/188

So, dont worry about AV in linux/ubuntu (My personal experience) 2+ years on ubuntu 2+ years no AV.

Hope it clears your doubt

Regards

Bhavani Shankar.

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taurus (taurusxz) said : 		#5

Thanks guys !!!!

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akshayygarg (akshayygarg) said : 		#6

Hi
Thnx for the info guys. I am new to ubuntu and i require to install wine. After that do i need to have an AV or still no virus will attack through wine?
Akshayy Garg