'Linux Virus Risks'

Linux Virus Risks

Ann (63.176.159.84) -

Are linux systems more suspectible to viruses than windows? Since it is open source I think the viruses makers could examine the source code and more easily exploit holes in the system.

Comment #1 Matt (70.134.149.247) -

You don't need "holes" in Linux. It is open source and well documented. You have full control over the operating system when creating software to run under Linux. Software running under Linux might have holes to exploit.

Comment #2 Jim (200.75.240.130) -

I believe another key factor in comparing the two is the objective of the "development" of the program:

1) Windows: Corporate profit and or domination

2) Linux: Intellectual "profit" and/or domination

ie: Windows is strictly created for commerical purposes, and linux is created as an intellectual challenge.

I would conclude that Linux continues to become a better and better "product" from a user, system, security and ever other technical aspect, and windows continues to become a better product based only on the needs and objectives of the board room.

Windows also lacks the same "peer" review as linux since only other employees working under the same Board of Directors are a part of it. Linux has peer review of techno-geeks around the world!

The choice of which is better is clear!

Also look at support. Suppose you build a computer. You pay $400 for the basic computer (less monitor). Nearly $200 more for windows. Now you have a problem:

1) Hardware: the manufacturer replaces any defective component under warranty without question or hassle

2) Software (Windows): you have a problem: tough luck!

Comment #3 Ed (196.40.43.158) -

The problem with Linux isn't about viruses or being open source or anything else. It's about market share. Because windows has the lions share of market share everyone knows how to install and use it.

Linux needs to get better installation procedures and then more people will use it. It can quickly build as an alternative if people can install it without frustration.

Comment #4 dweeb (206.183.28.85) -

If you think Linux installation is frustrating, either you've never installed it, or you're to dumb to be allowed to have a computer.

The number of effective viruses created for Linux can be counted on one hand, and the open source community closed the security holes they exploited faster than Microsoft can announce a problem.

Comment #5 Nancy (152.163.36.109) -

Let's be nice... but isn't "you're to dumb to be allowed to have a computer" a good definition of windows users? So... when Linux can crack that they can take over the market.

Comment #6 Kernel Sanders (24.18.114.96) -

Well, being knowledgable enough to properly secure your computer is pretty important. If for no other reason, because some people's poor understanding of securing their computer systems puts the rest of us at risk. Because once attackers get control of your system, they can use it like a license to attack whatever they want with virtual anonymity. And some of these people don't know enough about their computers to even realize that their system has been compromised! Meanwhile, the rest of us are under attack and unable to find the attacker because he's operating under your internet identity. So you be the judge, when people's lack of understanding of their own computer systems subjects the rest of us to attacks by people we cant even track down, SHOULD they be using computers on the internet? Something to think about.

Linux? Viruses? Nah! There are very few viruses written for Linux. Biggest reason, Linux doesn't operate like Windows, giving everyone essentially control of the computer. Even the "root" administrator of a Linux machine almost never logs in as root, but rather uses root permissions for specific tasks only. So even if a virus was to find it's way into a Linux system, it wouldn't be able to obtain enough permissions to be able to cause any damage. One of the key differences between Windows and Linux. And the first paragraph, one of the big differences between most Linux users and most Windows users.

Comment #7 shaun from nova scotia -

I was always under the assumption that Windows is the one prone to viruses and that Macs and Linux tend to not have that many and when they do it's generally unharmful? My friend uses Linux, i have never seen it in person, i'm really curious. I know how much i already hate windows! It's such a pain and i always get viruses no matter what i do!

Comment #8 Sam from Net -

As most people use Windows, so if a virus program successfully attacks Windows, it can get mileage. At the same time nobody will know who attacked Linux, other than those using it.

Being a normal user I have installed three different Linux products in different PC's and I was comfortable. Nothing wrong in the installation process, very user-friendly (the one which I used). Only thing I feel is important for Linux being successful against Windows is the increase in more applications which support Linux.

Otherwise there is hardly any gap between Windows and Linux at the Basic user level. Linux has OpenOffice, E-Mail clients, fast Browsers etc. In fact many of the present popular windows products have started with Linux only.

Comment #9 Jenna from A highly secure location -

I've done development on Windows, Linux, Unix and Mac OS. It's true that Windows is the most susceptible to viruses and security holes but it's not necessarily because of the inferiority of the operating system; it's because of the large market share and the fact that it makes most sense to target the most used platform. Linux has its problems and it is HUGE so having all the source code does not mean all holes have been plugged. Don't be fooled into believing that. There are people hacking into Linux based systems as we speak.

Comment #10 I am afraid of Virus (63.176.159.234) - Tue Oct 28 08:11:12 2008

I think linux viruses are more like toolkits.. I just hope our linux system will not get one of those viruses.

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