Is there a product like Adaware for linux and if not, why is one not needed. Isnt Linux more vulnerable to spyware because of it being open source?

Quite the opposite. With access to the source code you can see if a program installs anything that you don't want (spyware). If the program was worth anything (doubtful) someone else would remove the offending spyware code and release a completely free version of the software. Linux gives you a lot more control over your system.

See this post
http://www.linuxquestions.org/questi...ght=make+gator

Yea but dont you have to search through thousands of line of code to find anything and you have to know what your looking for also, What about other stuff like adware, where would it be, where would i look for it? thanks

His point was that with the source being released, SOMEONE would find the adware. And they would likely "tell the world" and the info would get to you.

And this seems to be the case.

Also, ad/spyware generally works on secrecy, and theres no secrecy in open source, so its pointless, you cant trick us.

If you are looking simply for an ad blocker, look for privoxy at slashdot.org (http://www.privoxy.org/)

Sheesh you guys are pretty confident in your open source world, Just hope your right. Down with the dam illegal program operation/BSOD crap.

We believe it because we took the blue pill.

If you are curious if an application has spyware or not, you are freely able to browse the code. Does this mean there isn't any, no. This means that if you do not divulge this info and it's found your reputation would be ruined, and your applications would not make the front page of any website, and it's less likely BajaNick would find it and use it.

More so..
Open Source applications are developed and maintained by people looking to create applications that people can use (including themselves). Assuming they want to get money from their open source app, they need to be able to claim excellent code. To proclaim this, you need reliable sources to back you up. To have them sources back you... Do you see where I'm going? Spyware is deceptive, deception doesn't normally live out in the open. If you have a big sign on your for head that says you will rob any one who lets you in your house, would anyone let you in? Not likely.



I always form my comparisons in my head, and by the time they hit the forum, they turn out to be really bad

Cool

If it's a program worth installing, most likely you aren't the first. It's likely (I personally only install OpenSource apps on my box anyway) OpenSource. If it's a closed source product, especially a *new* one, I'd be very weary of installing it. Read reviews, see what other users have seen with the app.

Another thing to note, it's WAAAYY to easy to see traffic on your box to not do it. Watch your log files (which not many do in windoze) and use something like Snort to watch your packets. If you've got a router (my BEFRS41 from Linksys) you might find an application that will log EVERYTHING in and out (linksysmon for me) should you be as paranoid as I'm becoming. If you are really concerned, read your licenses on the applications you install. Contact the developer(s). Best chance though, only use OpenSource software.
www.freshmeat.net
http://sf.net
And of course, the homepage:
www.gnu.org


Cool