Do viruses exist for Linux?
 

I'm just curious if there are ANY viruses out there for Linux. I'm asking this because I'm wondering whether or not to purchase antivirus software for it. I know there are kernel flaws and software bugs at times, but in general are there any viruses whatsoever?
Also, if I should purchase antivirus software, do you have any recommendations?
Thanks.

a linux mail server that has windows clients needs it to protect the win boxes. other than that it's not needed. you hear of these "proof of concept" linux viruses that someone cooked up in a comp-lab somewhere, but unless you are running as root, or have your permissions set rediculously loose, there is little to fear.

If you do a search at Symantec or McAffee for "linux viruses", you will get a number of viruses listed. There was also a thread several months ago where someone had a server get infected with a virus and had a bunch of files altered. So they very much do exist and though rare, some are in the wild.

Don't run as root. Don''t run services as root. Have a strong root password. No virii.

I don't see the value of having a poll for this. Viruses do exist on Linux, that is a fact - there really is no need to vote on it.

I understand, XavierP, but "virus" is indeed more of a Windows term. That's why I placed the poll.

True, but they do exist and the first handful were widely publicised.

No OS spreads a virus. Users spread virii. Protet your computer like your home. Maintain it like your car. You'll be fine. Tell your neighbor to do the same. Before you know it, exploits are gonna be rare.

edit reason: I CAN'T SPELL!!!

True, but the companies that make an OS are responsible for their creations IF they plan to sell them. Users may spread virii, but developers create the possibility for them.
One question remains: about how MANY viruses are there for Linux?

Unless developers stop writing any new code, I don't see how that is going to affect the number of exploits.

This is by no means a complete list, but those who are clicking on "No" should do some reading.
http://securityresponse.symantec.com....jac.8759.html
http://securityresponse.symantec.com...ux.simile.html
http://securityresponse.symantec.com...inux.svat.html
http://securityresponse.symantec.com....hyp.6168.html

That's also true, but developers should test code before they sell it for security bugs and the like. As an alternative, they should hire an external firm to audit the code. It's their responsibility to ensure that their apps are secure. Part of the responsibility is the user's, but much of it belongs to the coders.

My fear is that in the not-so-far-off future where Linux is prevalent on the desktop, and virus writers target the machine, we're going to be having trojans pop up on the desktop and ask for the root password to run a trojaned program the user downloaded.

Virii for linux.... no.
worms..... yes.

however the worm would be unabe to touch any files the user responcible for getting the worm does not have access writes to. and rpovided things like your bash_profile is set to read only, and owned by root, the worm would be incapable of loading itself dureing bootup or login.

Errm, sorry to disagree but see the links in post 11 and you'll see that they clearly do exist. And the worms in Linux can be quite devastating to vulnerable systems (see slapper, ramen, lion worms).