And another Ubuntu convert!

[Bart Silverstrim]

Robert Hodgins wrote:
> On Wed, 2009-01-21 at 15:46 -0500, Scott wrote:
>> Karl F. Larsen wrote:
>>>     I have been using Linux, Red Hat and Ubuntu every day since 1996 and 
>>> I have yet to see a virus. I think a fear of a virus on Ubuntu is unfounded. 
>> I have been using Linux since 2005 and not only have I never seen a 
>> Virus on Linux, but none of the people I have installed Ubuntu for have 
>> seen any viruses.
>>
> 
> They aren't as common as they are on Windows. But, IIRC, Linux can HARBOR Windows viruses even if they aren't INFECTED by them.
> So, periodically using some sort of antivirus reduces the possibility of
> us infecting our Windows friends. 

A) you've never seen "viruses" (let's be serious...we're talking about 
malware. Viruses are just one subset of malware.) on other systems, but 
you said you don't run antivirus. So...what are the chances it *could* 
be infected but just not showing obvious signs?

I really don't prescribe to the infection of Linux philosophy either, 
but I'm just pointing out a possible flaw in your reasoning. It's like a 
deaf man saying he's never heard a foghorn, no?

B) Yes, Linux can harbor viruses. File servers should have antiviruses 
running on them. I store virus samples that had been received via email 
on my Linux system to test antivirus software. I don't run WINE, so my 
Linux system is immune, but once a Windows system executes the 
code...well, since I *know* when I expose them, I am doing it 
specifically to test the antivirus software in the first place, but still...

C) Windows friends? My friends don't run Windows. It's a rule. :-p