Ok, a slightly more elaborate response from someone who's recently come over to Linux, asked himself the same question, and eventually figured out a kind of answer :)
There is nothing magical about Linux that makes it immune to viruses (this will probably put me on loads of hate-mail lists). Viruses get into your average PC through two routes: 1/ you get a game/application off your mate/from a warez website/whatever and install it. It contains a virus which you unwittingly install. This is more difficult on Linux than with Windows, for various reasons, but I'll give you just one: as Linux is a small community, people tend to know one another. If a website put up a number of applications that were deliberately infected, it wouldn't take long for the word to get round. 2/ you receive an infected email. This route relies heavily on Microsoft Outlook's weaknesses, combined with non-techy users. With Outlook you can install and run an infected email attachment with just a click. This is just not possible with Linux, due to the way new applications get installed. A final point is to think of computer viruses as being like biological viruses: they spread easier in a large target population that's in regular contact with other members and doesn't pay enough attention to hand-washing. At the moment that's the Windows world. Linux is like John the Baptist, all alone in the desert ;-) I wouldn't bet that when Linux takes over the world there won't be loads of Linux viruses around... PS As an aside, would it *theoretically* be possible to transmit a virus through an infected RPM? > -----Original Message----- > From: Metamorphysical [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] > Sent: 12 March 2002 12:00 > To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > Subject: Re: [newbie] Antivirus > > > I didn't think you need an antivirus for Linux. > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Donald E.Gulmire" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > Sent: Tuesday, March 12, 2002 6:46 AM > Subject: [newbie] Antivirus > > > > I am new to Linux, just getting familiar with installing > software and > command > > lines. What is a good Antivirus program to use with Linux? > Are there any > > freeware ones that are worth using? Thanks in advance! > > > > *********************************************************************** This e-mail and its attachments are intended for the above named recipient(s) only and are confidential and may be privileged. If they have come to you in error you must take no action based on them, nor must you copy or disclose them or any part of their contents to any person or organisation; please notify the sender immediately and delete this e-mail and its attachments from your computer system. Please note that Internet communications are not necessarily secure and may be changed, intercepted or corrupted. We advise that you understand and observe this lack of security when e-mailing us and we will not accept any liability for any such changes, interceptions or corruptions. Although we have taken steps to ensure that this e-mail and its attachments are free from any virus, we advise that in keeping with good computing practice the recipient should ensure they are actually virus free. Copyright in this e-mail and attachments created by us belongs to Littlewoods. Littlewoods takes steps to prohibit the transmission of offensive, obscene or discriminatory material. If this message contains inappropriate material please forward the e-mail intact to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and it will be investigated. Statements and opinions contained in this e-mail may not necessarily represent those of Littlewoods. Please note that e-mail communication may be monitored. Registered office: Littlewoods Retail Limited, Sir John Moores Building, 100 Old Hall Street, Liverpool, L70 1AB Registered no: 421258 http://www.littlewoods.com ***********************************************************************
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