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New to Linux
About a month ago I switched from Windows 2000 to Slackware. I noticed in my research that most people believe that an antivirus program is unnecessary when running linux. I understand that the default settings for linux are more secure than the Windows defaults if you run as a user. There also seem to be far fewer viruses for linux. But if I do happen to get a virus, how will I know I have one if I am not running an antivirus program? Maybe I am just being a little paranoid but with Windows it was always an issue.
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I suggest installing a virusscanner. Eventhough you probably only need it to inform a friend that he send you a virus. It doesn't hurt to have just that extra bit of protection.
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Don't execute anything you don't trust....
Since most *nix mail clients don't run scripts etc. automatcally then it requires human action to launch a virus - Just be careful.
There are some *nix virus scanners (McAffee Do One I Think - Try Google) that will allow you to scan a suspect file before doing anything with it - But 'don't run anything you don't trust' serves me well.
Steve
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Quote:
Originally posted here by steve.milner
Don't execute anything you don't trust....
Since most *nix mail clients don't run scripts etc. automatcally then it requires human action to launch a virus - Just be careful.
There are some *nix virus scanners (McAffee Do One I Think - Try Google) that will allow you to scan a suspect file before doing anything with it - But 'don't run anything you don't trust' serves me well.
Steve
Not to mention, he would have to give it execute permission even before he runs it, right?
For a free linux av, try f-prot or bdc. I have tried both, and found them to be quite capable...at catching windows viruses :p
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You jumped from Windows to Slackware? Kudo's to you, I started with Mandrake because it felt like a Windows box (without the bullshyt). Slowly I moved my way up though so everythings good :) Anyways, definitely install AV software. Always be concious of what programs you open or download.
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Also checking for rootkits (unix word for trojan ;)) is realy helpfull..
A friend of mine got "infected" with a rootkit via an exploit in his ftp daemon once..
It was a good thing(tm) he periodicaly checks for these rootkits and had a seperate firewall so the rootkit wasn't utilized (unable to connect)..
the two most used rootkit detectors are..
chkrootkit http://www.chkrootkit.org/
and the new
rkhunter http://www.rootkit.nl/
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CA has eTrust 7 for nix, and Sophos are two very good nix based VirusScanners. I currently run Gentoo and Linspire and I have had no problems with either OS and Virii as of yet.
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Thanks for the advice
All of the posts were very helpful. I did install some antivirus software and rkhunter.
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Re: New to Linux
Quote:
Originally posted here by Amishtechie
About a month ago I switched from Windows 2000 to Slackware. I noticed in my research that most people believe that an antivirus program is unnecessary when running linux. I understand that the default settings for linux are more secure than the Windows defaults if you run as a user.
The Evils of Default Security (tutorial) By: catch
http://www.antionline.com/showthread...hreadid=252694
Sorry could not resist it!