new to linux plz clear my doubts
 

Hello all
I'm using Linux specially Ubuntu 8.10 from last two months..I've got so much used to it and it helped me a lot in searching for new things.Really i dont wanna go back to Xp.......

Please clear my doubts

> I know linux is a good OS with a lot of security and with SE linux policies its a solid OS..

Does any LINUX OS get infected or corrupted by virus ,maleware
,spyware ,trojans etc etc.......Is there a possibility ????

Googling for some time showed me there are some and very few viruses which affect but not as like windows or Mac more..........

> How to make a linux OS strong ,rocksolid and secure OS than any other protecting from all possible threats without using a Antivirus for linux.

> What is "ELF(executable link files )" in LINUX and how it gets affected????

>>Finally Please help me how to secure my Linux box (any distro) without using any anitvirus for linux......

Thanks In Advance

Well, you certainly seem to be a bit paranoid about security. But please rest assured. Your system is relatively safe.

1) There's always a possibility of infection in any system. However, something like 99% of all malware targets Windows, and the chance of a Linux system getting infected is close to zero. There are only a handful of Linux/Unix viruses floating around, and most of those are ancient, benign, proof-of-concept, or just plain don't spread easily. The *nix security model makes the spread of such things exceptionally difficult. I've never experienced any linux malware personally.

2) Absolute security is impossible, unless you unplug the computer from the net, seal up all the ports with epoxy, unplug it, and remove the cpu for good measure. :) The only thing you can do is take whatever precautions are available and hope for the best. As I said above, though, Linux is a much more secure operating system than Windows. I've been running without an AV for several years now, and I've seen nothing. Take reasonable precautions, and don't worry so much about it.

3) ELF is just the linux executable format, equivalent to the Windows .exe format. Again, just take reasonable precautions and you'll be fine.

4) Set up a good firewall, keep your system and programs up-to-date, don't use root unless necessary, don't download and open any unknown files from untrusted sources, and relax.

The single most important thing that you can do, is don't be stupid. If you (and your users) can ensure that you never indulge in unsafe behaviour, you should be fine. OTOH, if you find that you cannot rely on perfection in user behaviour, you might find you want to take additional measures.