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Thread: New to Linux

  1. April 29th, 2004, 09:20 AM #1
    Amishtechie
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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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  2. April 29th, 2004, 09:39 AM #2
    SirDice
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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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  3. April 29th, 2004, 12:31 PM #3
    steve.milner
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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.

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  4. April 29th, 2004, 12:38 PM #4
    KeyserSoze
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    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
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  5. April 29th, 2004, 03:22 PM #5
    Spyder32
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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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  6. April 29th, 2004, 03:41 PM #6
    the_JinX
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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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  7. April 29th, 2004, 06:01 PM #7
    Info Tech Geek
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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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  8. April 30th, 2004, 04:41 AM #8
    Amishtechie
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    Thanks for the advice

    All of the posts were very helpful. I did install some antivirus software and rkhunter.
    Every man has his price. Mine is $3.95.
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  9. April 30th, 2004, 04:47 AM #9
    !mitationRust
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    Re: New to Linux

    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!
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