Most AV applications DO NOT protect against a virus that attempts to target Linux.

I am one of those people who have been using Linux (Ubuntu) for years without virus issues. I think this is a case where some users are simply not aware of how Linux based systems function. As yoachi explained, it is extremely difficult to write a Linux virus as UNIX systems run multi-user environments (specific permission sets are given to specific processes depending on the user).

With regards to those who visit websites, (continuing yoachi’s dialogue), and think they might get a virus:

“…You open firefox as a normal (ie non-root) user. No matter what you do from here, any program or file executed by firefox will only maintain your permission set; ie if you downloaded a nasty executable it STILL couldn’t hurt your machine as it only had the rights of the program that downloaded it— namely firefox, which is being run by you, the normal user…”

Don’t forget, In Ubuntu (which is Debian based), we can use commands such as sudo or sudo su, as such we can visualize (in simpler terms) that web browsers, email apps etc, DO NOT run with root privileges.

Note: Bugs or exploits are another matter all together, and I’ve never heard or used a system that does not have to be regularly updated, because of such bugs and / or discovered exploits.

In the event that a Linux virus is introduced (last I read there was a very trivial number of them in the wild), it would be isolated to that user’s account. I might add also, that I’ve been working with many different physical and virtual web servers for clients over the years, they were all Linux based, all operating for several years and zero AV installed. The odd time that something has occurred, it’s almost always been an exploit in some package a client installed, and almost always because the client did not properly secure the package and / or keep it updated. As for virus activity? ZERO.

I’m not suggesting Ubuntu, or Linux users in general, throw caution to the wind, rather, I’m suggesting that common sense be used. Installing AV applications to protect other people is a personal choice.

Finally, I remember a couple years back purposely introducing every type of virus I could (there are tons to review when searching via Google), to an Ubuntu Linux test box, in many cases, the various installed AV packages did NOTHING when the infected file was accessed – More importantly, nothing happened to that box.

@Musick X
As you will find out the Linux community has a solution or will find one for those with the greatest demands. What you should look at is “Ubuntu Studio” (Google it).

Linux as you know donsent need anti-virus software think about the 1% of windows user who think that windows XP is sercure ITS NOT, its the same case for linux you need it to keep out hackers or use your computer as a zombie *Zombie Nosies*

Maybe post a note explaining that it’s up to users to protect themselves? Unfortunately, there will always be some users who simply cannot or will not educate themselves, put them on notice.
I’ve used Linux for a few years now. I’ve no antivirus installed and have never experience a problem.

As a new user of Ubuntu I’ve been researching internet communities for advice on the anti virus issue. I’m delighted to have found this blog where information is shared so freely and with a real desire to help new/ less experienced users fix their own problems… major thanks!

The specific situation I’m in is this — in my university department we have a public access computer room with 5 (and growing) desktops which have been recently installed with Ubuntu so as to minimize system crashes and virus attacks. But most student users have Windows on their PCs/ laptops and we are all just beginning to learn the ways of Linux. In our situation it is inevitable that there will be a lot of emailing and use of flash drives to transfer academic and other material between the Ubuntu and Windows systems.

In the words of Rod (May 8 2009) above, given that “There are Windows users out there that are ignorant. Which is defined as “Unaware or uninformed“, they may not possess the knowledge to secure themselves or the confidence to learn on their own. The may also be unable or not possess the capacity to learn this level of technical knowledge” (and to get all users in a public access system to self-regulate is well nigh impossible) my question is this — What kind of protective/ anti virus/ anti malware steps should we be taking on our public access Ubuntu systems?

Thanks!
CK

Your instructions I followed:

After Googling around a bit, I learned that AVG has a good antivirus of Linux. (And there are many others). I picked AVG simply because it was easy to find and subsequently, easy to install.

The download link for the Linux version is here: http://free.grisoft.com/doc/53...../0?prd=afl Ubuntu users should select the .deb version (currently 7.5.51). Save that to your system, perhaps the desktop. (I did this using Ubuntu Feisty, 7.10). After the download has completed, it’s a simple matter to just double-click the .deb file (in my case it’s called “avg75fld-r51-a1243.i386.deb”).

The package installer will begin (and ask for your password). The install is seamless, it’ll do everything for you.

To use the antivirus, you’ll find a new icon here: Applications –> Accessories –> AVG for Linux Workstation. Simply click on that and follow along. Very easy, and only took a few minutes to do.

For those newer to Linux, or those looking for a quick antivirus solution, I hope this post was helpful! :)

What do you meant by “portable environment”? Do you mean it’s on a bootable USB thumb drive?

Great to hear, cheers!

Personally, I prefer to keep Linux and Windows on separate boxes. I’ve never had issues with them dual booting on the same box or when one (or the other) was in a virtual machine. But… I keep them separate because I like to play, and invariably, when I play, I sometimes break things! So for me at least, it’s safer top keep them separated.

World of Warcraft, sorry I don’t play it, but maybe you can check out Wine? –> http://appdb.winehq.org/object.....p;iId=1922

The Question…

I am an Audio Engineer, Sound Designer, and Musician. I run DigiDesign Pro Tools LE beta on Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit. (1) Due to data protection purposes, would it be more feasible to run Ubuntu (for browsing, email, IM, FUN) on a separate computer rather than having both OS’s on the same computer? (2) I’m a nerd: Can I play World of Warcraft on a Ubuntu system ;)?

Thanks for the time. I eagerly look forward to joining this community of respectable friendly people. (Whoot!!!)

fascinating thread, and well, lots of food for thought!

I have used Linux before, but as a novelty, rather than for practical purposes; I am a big geek *grins*

Having recently revisited Linux (and specifically mint and ubuntu distros)I have quickly seen vast improvements of system resource management, and usability (both over windows OSs, and previous linuc distros).

However, I am a graphic designer, and compatibility with windows and Mac OSs is essential! In my free time I find myself booting portable versions of Mint 8, partly because I prefer to use it, and partly because I find it more efficient.
For work I *cringe* need windows. For play on the other hand, I have every intention of booting from a portable USB hard drive when I can get hold of one (duel booting is sadly a risk I am not prepared to take).

THE QUESTION AT HAND:
How much of a security risk would you believe running a full install of a distro like Mint be in a portable environment?..

Thankyou in advance, I know the overarching Linux community is one of the most sincere and helpful I have ever spoken to, but I also can see this is a very old thread!

That does not look like a virus, that is most likely the result of some configuration or related driver issue – possibly even an applications scripting issue.

Please read the valuable information in the comments from “yochai”