rmrichesjr wrote:(Disclaimer: This is my personal opinion, not acting in any official capacity.)
I had earlier thought it best to not post any detail lest it be seen as arguing. However, I think it is important that two facts be stated on the topic of security of different operating systems.
Expressing one's opinion is not arguing. I think we should each be able to express our point-of-view and feelings on a matter without feeling that the other person is being disrespectful. I had no problem with your original post. Everyone's mileage varies!
First, if I am informed correctly, there is not one single virus in the wild that affects Linux. There may be exploits against specific applications but not an actual virus against the OS itself.
I don't know of any current viruses, but I know of several past viruses. The issue with viruses on a Linux machine is small due to the use of standard and root users. Since viruses can only run at the same level as the user who runs them, viruses on the Linux side are difficult, but not impossible, to write and be effective.
That being said, nearly the exact same thing can be done and set up on a Windows XP machine. If you want a virtually virus free windows computer, create an Administrator account that you only use to install software and make major changes to the system. Run all your applications and everyday stuff through a limited account. By simply doing that, you'll eliminate 95-99% of all possible scenarios in which a virus may be installed on your computer. Combine that with a fully patched OS and up-to-date AV software and you're set. You're obviously still susceptible to some viruses, but you've dramatically reduced the number.
This is why I feel switching OS's isn't all that necessary. With XP running in this fashion, I don't see Linux being all that much safer, but again, that's just me.
Second, the antivirus software available for Linux has only one purpose, to remove Windows viruses from email messages going through.
I'd disagree that it has only
one purpose, but due to the use of Linux in server applications, it certainly is used to scan emails and such destined for Windows machines. There are A/V programs out there that do much more than that, such as ClamAV and Panda.
Now, all that being said, I am well aware of the fact that Linux does not suffer from a very big virus problem. The majority of Linux issues come with hacking, not viruses. Again, it's all proportions. Windows has a much larger share in the home and personal computing sectors, so it's a much larger target for viruses and malware. Linux, on the other hand, has a much larger share in the enterprise and networking sectors, so it suffers from hacking attacks. The problem with the hacking is that if you've been hacked, they have root access and your entire computer is at their mercy. To me, that's a little more scary than a virus that just slows things down.
So, Windows vs. Linux, who knows. IMO, use whatever you want, but realize either is only as safe as you make it. Besides, I only own Macs, so what do I really know?
However on certain PC's that I work on, I install AVG, because it's light and free! On my own Personal Windows machine, I don't use AV, I'm just careful, however I do most all of my surfing on my Mac.
