anti-virus software or not - ?

**NoaHall** · October 31st, 2009

You'll be safer with Linux based OS's than in Mac OS X.

**jamesrfla** · November 3rd, 2009

I wouldn't worry about anti virus protection for Linux because nobody makes viruses for Linux. Hackers and/or crackers don't want to make viruses because it would only affect a small group of people compared to the world. That is why Windows is infected with so many viruses. Hackers and/or crackers see that most people use Windows and make viruses for Windows because they can affect more people. Also Windows viruses can't affect a Linux computer unless you are running wine. Same thing with Mac OS X but I am seeing more and more people use it so it won't be long before they start making viruses for them.

**joeykuds** · November 3rd, 2009

does anti-virus even exist for ubuntu?

**NoaHall** · November 3rd, 2009

Originally Posted by joeykuds

does anti-virus even exist for ubuntu?

Not truly. Most of them just scan for windows viruses.

**aysiu** · November 3rd, 2009

Antivirus isn't protection, even in Windows. You might as well have a screendoor on a submarine.

**FavouriteMilk** · November 27th, 2009

Originally Posted by mjp29

I used Mac os x for years and didn't install any anti-virus, but could have.

The same for me - the only protection I use on my Mac is a firewall (Protemac Netmine), and that's really enough.

Originally Posted by aic

The main danger of viruses in Linux is passing one on to a Windows user. Most desktops don't use anti-virus software. Many mail servers for Windows clients do.

The same with OSX - Macs can harbour windows Viruses/Trojans etc and pass them on to PCs.