Anti virus for linux. Is it necessary?

[vitalstrike82]

I using suse 10,3. Usually in windows i will install anti virus straight away,

As for linux, is it necessary to install anti virus? Which software will u recommend?

[oz]

Take a look at this short guide to security:

http://www.linuxforums.org/forum/lin...-security.html

I don't run any antivirus software under Linux and never have.

[kaf-laarous]

no, there is not necessary
bicouse there is less then 50 virus in linux doman
But reserve duty

[vitalstrike82]

Thanks ozar. I'm surprise there are on 50 virus in linux. Thats is cool..

[waterhead]

If you use Linux to download files that will then be transfered to a Windows box, you should have them scanned for viruses first.

Even if you are only networked to a Windows box, it is possible that a virus could sneak through the network. It is best to keep a current anti-virus running on all Windows boxes.

The network admin at my workplace feels that with a hardware firewall in place, an anti-vi is not needed! We run all Windows severs and desktops, and I am just waiting for someone to download an infected file or program. (it won't be me!)

[asharmaearth411]

It is very rare to be infected by virus when it comes to using Linux. Linux establishes one of the best security implementation in the world, not to exagerrate.

[Jonathan183]

I using suse 10,3. Usually in windows i will install anti virus straight away,

As for linux, is it necessary to install anti virus? Which software will u recommend?

As you can see from previous posts virus infection is less of an issue for Linux users than Windows users. I have OpenSUS 10.3 amongst other OS. I use fprot in Linux - link F-PROT Antivirus for Linux - home use - F-PROT Antivirus Downloads which is free for home users. I tend to run the update script and scan the system about once a week.
It costs me a little time and infrequently comes up with 'potential archive bomb' warnings for a couple of files - these have always been related to firefox sessions & since I delete all data once I close firefox a rescan has so far indicated a clean system.

I will also be running chkrootkit on a weekly basis as well.

I got sick of security problems with Windows - the final straw was an infection that I had on Windows and the official fix trashed my system. A weekly update and scan is a small price to pay for peace of mind.

[Charles John]

Check out Clam AntiVirus (Clam AntiVirus). ClamAV does not have a real-time monitor. It might be debatable if you need one, but I suggest setting up cron to scan important folders on a scheduled scan.