Worth installing anti-virus?

[bryansmith]

Hi all,

I was just wondering if it was worth it to install an anti-virus program like ClamAV. Is it suggested to install a firewall as well? I ask this because I assume Linux is relatively safe as of now but I want to make sure. By the way, I am using Ubuntu 5.04 (just in case it comes with some software).

Thanks in advance,
Bryan

[gimp335]

My opinion is no. From what I've heard and read from others, antivirus software tends to slow down performance, and is *largely* unneccessary. A firewall on the other hand is always a good idea.

[bryansmith]

Hi gimp335,

Any suggestions for a firewall? I don't really know of any and would like to get the opinion of someone who knows about them.

Thanks,
Bryan

[Flatline]

I always use a firewall (hardware and software). As for antivirus on linux machines, it is probably only necessary if your machine is a file server for Windows clients. Windows viruses couldn't hurt the server, but they could spread to other Windows clients.

[bryansmith]

Thanks for the input everyone. I was pretty sure I wouldn't need one because it is just my laptop that has Linux installed.

Thanks for the input,
Bryan

[xathras]

I have clamAV on server machines but on workstations nothing

[linux.learner]

there is only a couple reasons to have an anti-virus software on a linux machine. all the reasons involve windows.

if you have alot of windows contacts and forward email to them, then it is wise to protect your windows friends.

if your a server, then its wise to have anti-virus software to protect windows servers and clients.

other than that, there is no reason.

the "viruses" that have hit linux really arent viruses, they are worms. it is important to make the discinction. and there is a way to protect yourself from worms. stay up to date, and disable all unnecissary services. better yet, uninstall services you dont need.

[Salient]

I would get a rootkit scanner before i got an anti-virus.

Although i would definantly get a firewall (IMO) -
here is some interesting reading (and reasons for a firewall) on advisory's issued and patched or not patched. - you can look up about any popular distro at secunia ... i just listed a few.

Debian
http://secunia.com/product/143

Ubuntu
http://secunia.com/product/5036/

Mandriva/Mandrake
http://secunia.com/product/4198/

Gentoo
http://secunia.com/product/339/

Suse
http://secunia.com/product/4258/

[gromer]

Here is a good firewall I have installed on my server:

http://www.dedicated-resources.com/guide/29/Install-APF-(Advanced-Policy-Firewall).html

[penguin_powered2004]

Bryan, I recommend you get a router as your first line of defense (that's your hardware firewall). That will keep most of your problems out. Get a software firewall, which provides a very configurable way to fine tune the access to your PCs ports, protocols, etc.

IMHO, if you had nothing but a router between your PC and the internet, you'd be a lot safer!