What is the best anti-virus for Ubuntu?

[mac143_01]

does Viruses attack Ubuntu OS?

What would be the best anti-virus for Ubuntu? and Why is it best?

can I install kaspersky for windows XP in Ubuntu? if its possible, please tell me the step by step procedure, Thanks...

[tashmooclam]

The consensus of opinion is you do not need to be concerned with viruses in Linux or Unix (Mac). However, if you want to, Clam is an anti-virus program for Linux.

Use gmail, and files sent to you are scanned within gmail. If spreadsheets, word documents, powerpoint files, you can open in "googledocs" without downloading to your hard drive.

My reason for trying Linux in the first place was being tired of spyware and viruses etc.

Did you google "anti-virus programs for Linux"? Or, search here.

[WhyZeeGuy]

So far, and one of the reason I'm running Ubuntu now is that no Antivirus software is required

[Sef]

The only time you need to run an anti-virus is if you have an email client and that is prevent a virus from running on top of your GNU/Linux distro and infecting your friends on Windows PCs.

[Joeb454]

Basically - don't worry about it. I've never yet run anti-virus on my Linux pc's.

On Windows I run it, but (so far) haven't yet needed it :) It's just a matter of being aware while online :)

[mikewhatever]

does Viruses attack Ubuntu OS?

What would be the best anti-virus for Ubuntu? and Why is it best?

can I install kaspersky for windows XP in Ubuntu? if its possible, please tell me the step by step procedure, Thanks...

The short answer is NO to all the question. For longer explanation, click here (http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=765421)

[ibutho]

If you want to understand more about why you do not need antivirus on Linux and Unix systems, take a look at this detailed article (http://www.theregister.co.uk/2003/10/06/linux_vs_windows_viruses/).

[SunnyRabbiera]

Yeh viruses for linux practically dont exist, and the ones that do need root access to work and the root account is disabled by default in ubuntu.

[sayakb]

Generally, are very, very few viruses for Ubuntu. So there's virtually no chances of infection. Plus, the security holes are fixes on daily basis through update. Hence you don't need an AntiVirus.
Though, you might try Avast (http://ubuntuforums.org/www.avast.com/eng/avast-for-linux-workstation.htm) Antivirus. Invoke it by using
avastgui from a terminal.

[randomAccess]

The only time you need to run an anti-virus is if you have an email client and that is prevent a virus from running on top of your GNU/Linux distro and infecting your friends on Windows PCs.

Hm... could you explain this please.
As I understood I can spread a virus to my Windows machine colleagues without knowing it? I use Thunderbird and I'm not sure if I understood it the right way :confused:

[shifty_powers]

well, basically, if an email has a virus in it, it won't affect the ubuntu box/server, but when it is forwarded/sent to it's final destination, it might affect the windows pc...

[SunnyRabbiera]

Hm... could you explain this please.
As I understood I can spread a virus to my Windows machine colleagues without knowing it? I use Thunderbird and I'm not sure if I understood it the right way :confused:

yes its possible to pass along a virus like you mention, but if you screen your e mail you will probably be fine.