*lol* Love these talks about Linux
The fact that the source-code is open, provides nearly any half-skilled nerd the possibility to write virus-like code for the linux OS. However- the thing is that most distributions nowadays force users to work as non-priviledged users, e.g. not as Admin.
This makes it very hard for a nerd to write a virus-code that executes and does something nasty. So - viruses, even if you catch one under Linux, will not eb able to do anything that requires priviledged access ...
And - regarding firewalls
please always keep in mind - most firewalls are preventing anything from outside (Internet) to come in (Intranet / Your local LAN). What most people do not know, is that whenever a user issues a request from inside the LAN to the Internet, the Firewall will await the response from outside and let it pass through (easily said).
With this - I just want to tell - that the Firewall will just prevent non requested traffic to get through. If now, the user goes on
www.xxx.xx - and there are some javascript-code that install a program on his computer - the mistake is all the user's ... and that's where usually Antivirus programs come very handy. Especially under windows where most users have Administrator privileges, and it's easy for any malicious script to execute a program to install a bad trojan or whatever on the box.
The thing now is, that under Linux, you will "almost" not be able to run a .exe programm (except if you have wine / similar installed and your browser knows about the lining)
Please note - that for gaming I do have a win-box, with Windows XP SP2 - and NO - I repeat _NO_ antivirtus - installed.
And this for years now - with no virus infection so far ...
1. My Lan is secured both ways. I configured my firewall to let pass only specific traffic in _both_ directions !
2. I don't go to unknown websites under Windows
3. I know my system and the way it behaves !
That works
Believe me
