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Old 06-30-2006, 09:44 AM   #1
mihalisla
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Security Problems Linux


Hello ,
I 'm quite new to the system of linux so i have some problems(more suitable questions) :
1. Do i need antivirus for linux only when i don't login as root?
2.What about spyware and that kind of stuff??
3.Does linux provide defragment and automatic disk clean up as windows and how can I use these??

Thank you for your attention!
 
Old 06-30-2006, 09:52 AM   #2
Okie
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1. Do i need antivirus for linux only when i don't login as root?
1.A. no anti-virus neccessary unless you are running Linux as a file and email server and need to protect some MS-Windows desktops (clamav)

2.What about spyware and that kind of stuff??
2.A. i have not seen any Linux spyware, since Linux is open source with lots of eyes looking at the code if anyone trys to slip in some spyware i am sure the opensource community will let the world now quickly.

3.Does linux provide defragment and automatic disk clean up as windows and how can I use these??
3.A. no need to defragment as Linux does not make a mess out of disk partitions like windows does.
 
Old 06-30-2006, 09:55 AM   #3
fedora4002
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why is not there any linux virus?

Last edited by fedora4002; 06-30-2006 at 10:13 AM.
 
Old 06-30-2006, 10:01 AM   #4
mihalisla
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thanks a lot man some basic queries just left my mind!

P.S "People are strange when you are stranger ,faces look ungly when you 're alone"
Doors
Dedicated to windows users that are cursed of no community and no society(the misery people)
 
Old 06-30-2006, 10:38 AM   #5
jschiwal
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The linux system is different and so the threats are different. You still need to use a firewall to protect your services from the internet. While there isn't the virus threat, you still have to worry about a hacker breaking into your system and gaining root access. If that happen's, it's pretty much game over because the hacker might have replaced commands which you use with his own versions.

Scanning for open ports, checking for root kits, suid programs and world writable files are what you do instead of virus scanning and defragging.

Some malware attack applications such as real player. You still need to keep on top of installing security updates. All systems, even cisco routers, need to be updated if an exploit is found.

quote from Okie:
Quote:
2.A. i have not seen any Linux spyware, since Linux is open source with lots of eyes looking at the code
Some people would argue that because the source is open, it is easier for hackers to discover potential exploits. However, because it is open, it enables many more eyes to find them and repair them. So, because the process is proactive instead of reactive, you have fewer unresolved exploits with open source after a time.

Last edited by jschiwal; 06-30-2006 at 10:45 AM.
 
  


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