Ubuntu
gnome-terminal package

Anti virus programm needed for ubuntu?

Asked by Richard

I've always used DOS and later Windows. I'm not satisfied about Windows. That's the reason for me to try something else.
I am not familiar with Ubuntu, because I am new. I'm interested and deeply impressed for what I've seen until now.

I used GRC.com and noticed that a firewall was already active (all stealth!)
An anti virus program is also necessary.
Can you help me to select and install this.

Richard
(Dutch)

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Gord Allott
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Best Gord Allott (gordallott) said : 		#1

No, linux and ubuntu is not really susceptible to viruses because of the fact that virus makers do not target ubuntu and that ubuntu has a more secure system by its very nature, most (99%) of people never install any kind of anti-virus software or firewall. (i myself do not use either).

if you insist on installing some kind of anti-virus software, most people go for "clam av" which can be installed via the usual methods of installing software.

you can also find out more here: https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Antivirus

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Gord Allott (gordallott) said : 		#2

Gord Allott suggests this article as an answer to your question:
FAQ #111: “Anti virus programm needed for ubuntu?”.

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Bhavani Shankar (bhavi) said : 		#3

Hello

A bit more explanation on gord's answer

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 viruses in linux or ubuntu (2+ years on ubuntu with no antivirus)

Regards

Bhavani Shankar.

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Richard (richard-rm-aalten) said : 		#4

Thanks for helping.
My Hard Disk just crashed (no software but really hardware!) , so I've got to install it again.