Ubuntu: Threat To Windows Users?

[Nauscar]

I am new using Ubuntu and I'm not sure exactly how the OS works so I decided not to connect it to the internet yet. I currently have Windows XP Home Edition and Ubuntu 9.04 installed on my computer. My question is can I obtain a Windows virus while running Ubuntu and using the internet? If so, will it effect my Windows Account and the files on it?

Help would be much appreciated (sorry if this is a 'noob' question).:lolflag:

[cariboo907]

Yes, you can get a Windows virus on Ubuntu, fortunately Windows executeables do not run on Linux. The only way the virus can transfer to your Windows partition is if you copy it to your Windows partition.

Windows and Ubuntu are two seperate operating systems and they cannot be run a the same time. So affectively when you are running Ubuntu, it is like your windows installation is shut off, and vice-versa.

Linux is much more secure than Windows due to it's multiuser design. There are viruses written for Linux, but so far they are only proofs of concept. There is nothing in the wild.

I would suggest you read the Ubuntu Security sticky.

[Nauscar]

Thank you for your help! I now can use the internet with an eased conscience! :D

[Dave_Connor]

Plus if you ran the .exe through wine the most that damage that has been done was a corrupt wine profile. So not much worrying with wine for window programs under linux.