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    Can Ubuntu 9.04 get Viruses?

    Discussion in 'Linux Compatibility and Software' started by gregv03, May 14, 2009.

  1. gregv03

    gregv03 Notebook Consultant

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    Can Ubuntu 9.04 get viruses? Is it like Mac OS X, making it less likely to get viruses?
     
    gregv03, May 14, 2009
    #1
  2. ALLurGroceries

    ALLurGroceries  Vegan Vermin Super Moderator

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    There are some viruses and worms that can affect various distros, but in general, it's not something to worry about on the same scale as with Windows. You are not very likely to get a virus, although there are "bad commands" and things like tarbombs that can destroy your system, they are not viruses. The thing to worry about is having a secure network so that any exploits that *are* in the wild are mitigated by good defenses. You can follow these vulnerabilities here for Ubuntu:
    http://www.ubuntu.com/usn
     
    ALLurGroceries, May 14, 2009
    #2
  3. The_Moo™

    The_Moo™ Here we go again.....

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    any OS can get viruses ... there are just alot less written for Linux OS's due to no many people useing it.
     
    The_Moo™, May 14, 2009
    #3
  4. Gintoki

    Gintoki Notebook Prophet

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    Can it? yes. Would it. No. There are some proof of concept viruses out there for coders to look at but they won't really work large enough to be called a virus. Even on those shady websites you'll be fine.
     
    Gintoki, May 14, 2009
    #4
  5. Dethredic

    Dethredic Notebook Enthusiast

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    This is not true what soever. This about all the websites on the internet. They are all hosted on servers and Linux dominates this market. I don't know about you but linux is a very viable target.

    The real reason why it doesn't get viruses is because of its structure and permissions.

    A virus can only do what the user who runs the virus can do, and unless you are reckless with your root account, only your urser account can get infected, which is just your pictures and videos or whatever is in your /home/username.

    It is very easy to make a new user so if you do get a virus (which you won't) it is just a matter of making a new user account.

    That is why people don't make viruses for linux.
     
    Dethredic, May 14, 2009
    #5
  6. Thomas

    Thomas McLovin

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    For all reasonable people Ubuntu will never get a virus.
    Now if you start using a root account it's much more likely but you'll prolly screw a lot more things up with a root account before you get a virus.
     
    Thomas, May 14, 2009
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  7. theZoid

    theZoid Notebook Savant

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    True....the Operator is more likely to BE the virus (or worm) :D
     
    theZoid, May 15, 2009
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  8. pixelot

    pixelot Notebook Acolyte

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    pixelot, May 15, 2009
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  9. Thomas

    Thomas McLovin

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    Yeah you should never use a root terminal unless you know what your doing.
    sudo is less destructive but is still dangerous. Some user with a problem is likely not to take someone's suggestion of sudo rm -rf / in any bad way.
     
    Thomas, May 15, 2009
    #9