Do you use antivirus software?

[Pidgin]

I am wondering whether it is necessary to install antivirus software on my Ubuntu computer. Please poll and post your opinion.

[lisati]

For the benefit of your Ubuntu machine: probably not necessary
If you are likely to share files with a Windows machine: maybe, it's up to you. I'd only justify it if I didn't want to pass something on.

I currently only have antivirus installed on my Vista installation but have had it installed in Ubuntu in the past.

[Wiebelhaus]

Yes , Bit Defender for Unices (http://www.bitdefender.com/PRODUCT-80-en--BitDefender-Antivirus-Scanner-for-Unices.html)

[LinuxRules1]

If you connect to your ubuntu pc from a windows pc often then you should install antivirus so you can protect the windows pc. If not then you really don't need antivirus software becuase viruses don't have an effect on ubuntu computers.

I don't use antivirus software for my ubuntu pc.

[Pidgin]

If you connect to your ubuntu pc from a windows pc often then you should install antivirus so you can protect the windows pc. If not then you really don't need antivirus software becuase viruses don't have an effect on ubuntu computers.

I don't use antivirus software for my ubuntu pc.

Have a look at here (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux_malware).

[pwnst*r]

lots of recurring topics today.

also, CJ Master in 3...2...

[CJ Master]

lots of recurring topics today.

also, CJ Master in 3...2...

1...

USELESS POST! ^^^

Lol. anyway, I do, but just because I often use Windows on my other computer and swap files with each other.

[monsterstack]

Viruses are totally possible on Linux, but the exploits found in Windows that allow for drive-by downloads and silent execution of binaries are not. At least not in any sort of practical way that anyone has managed to take advantage of yet. Trojans, however, are a possible attack vector because most of them rely on the user's stupidity in order to work. On Ubuntu, I guess somebody could make a real mean virus and package it as a deb and try to distribute it. But then, that's what repositories and checksums are for. I guess it depends how much you trust yourself not to be a complete idiot.

Unless you're scanning for viruses on a Windows machine, I don't think virus scanners for Linux are necessary at all.

[zeroseven0183]

Unless you're scanning for viruses on a Windows machine, I don't think virus scanners for Linux are necessary at all.

I agree.

I used to have an anti-virus software (ClamAV and avast) on my Ubuntu machine for the purpose of scanning files/external hard drives used in Windows. We're technical support here in the office for people who do not care about the network/system (and who use Windows), just their files.

Anyway, you really don't need one. I guess, it's only a matter of responsible computing (like defensive driving?).

[oldsoundguy]

I keep the AV on the WINDOWS machines. Since those are the ones that need the protection!

[monsterstack]

I agree.

I used to have an anti-virus software (ClamAV and avast) on my Ubuntu machine for the purpose of scanning files/external hard drives used in Windows.

You really don't need one. I guess, it's only a matter of responsible computing (like defensive driving?).

I often find myself using my Linux box as a virus destroyer for those viruses that propagate via USB thumb drives. My friends bring me a dirty USB stick, I plug it in, find the offending executables, and delete them. No matter how many times I tell them, they rarely seem to be able to remove the viruses from their own computers. Their experience seems to go like this:

Scan for viruses...
A viruses has been found!
Attempting to quarantine the virus...
Quarantine failed!
Attempting to remove the virus...
Removal failed!
Attempting to delete the virus...
Deletion failed!
Attempting to nuke the virus from orbit; it's the only way to be sure...
Nuking the virus from orbit failed!


Now, whilst I don't know how some viruses are able to do this, it does explain why they can't remove it from their thumb drives. Perhaps something to do with file permissions?

[JetskiDude911]

I never really have. I did for a little while when I started a new job once, but I had to because at the time I was using a desktop with Windows XP on it. Later, I got a MacBook and no longer needed it.

I've never really used it on my personal computers. Right now I have a laptop dual booted with Vista and Ubuntu and don't have anti-virus on either side.

[Firestem4]

I installed Kaspersky AV6 on my Kubuntu laptop because I am transitioning my company from Symantec Enterprise to Kaspersky Open Business. When I found out they even had a Linux client i was curious. Regardless if i can get infected by a virus or not. I can still spread a virus unknowingly. (Highly unlikely but not impossible.)

[Firestem4]

Now, whilst I don't know how some viruses are able to do this, it does explain why they can't remove it from their thumb drives. Perhaps something to do with file permissions?

One of the beautiful part about windows. You never have to worry about loosing data when its in use =P

[aysiu]

If you really want to protect Windows users from viruses, have them use a limited user account and Firefox with NoScript.

[capnthommo]

well i say installed, i just use to ensure that i'm not passing on anything to windows users via my e mails. probably a bit 'belt and braces' but no matter.

cheers
nigel

[frodon]

Moved to recurring discussion forum.

[MasterNetra]

*supports the notion that using Ubuntu alone you don't need AV, unless you lack common computing sense.*

I usually do have claimAV or AVG on Ubuntu mainly because I usually Dual boot Ubuntu & Windows and generally transfer files between them via a fat32 partition. Otherwise I probably wouldn't.

[SoftPops]

I am currently running one workstation with Vista on, this has AV software that is kept up to date. My two laptops have Ubuntu installed and I do not see any point in installing any AV software on these.

In my opinion, it is the job of the Windows machine to keep itself clean from any viruses that may come in (from any source), not the Ubuntu machines that are (as things stand at the moment) not going to be affected.

If I do pass on an infected file / e-mail then so be it, it is still my opinion that it is the responsibilty of Windows users to ensure that they are protected.

If viruses start appearing in the wild in the Linux community then, of course, I will have to rethink this policy.

[emeraldgirl08]

No because viruses are aimed @ M$ stuff. I read that Linux users can carry the virus though so it's best to scan your items before opening them up in Windows.

[mickeyy]

When I realized how much Norton was slowing down my PC I switched to AVG (Free) and I’ve never looked back. Great piece of software and completely free!