Comments on: Do I Need an AntiVirus Program on Linux?

By: mannuforall

mannuforall — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 05:50:55 +0000

I’m a new user of Linux and switched from windows.
My most of work around Gmail and other web mail services and regular uploading/downloading tasks.
As mentioned above I think there’s on serious need of Antivirus, but confusing on firewall.
Plz suggests me if need to firewall and if needed, which one to use. Or the firewal already in Mint menu is enough.

By: AnthonyT

AnthonyT — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 06:49:13 +0000

Re. Firewalls: The Linux kernel includes iptables which if not disabled and in its default state will simply not respond to uninvited guests.The only reason for disabling it is when running a server.

Personally, I use a virus scanner on my personal desktop for the reasons stated in this article as I’m sure any responsible Linux user does. I use clamtk which is a GUI for clamav and I also use nautilus-clamscan which provides right-click virus scanning on files.

Search your repositoriesin your package manager for these.

By: Geek Quest: All About Linux, But Where’s the Anti-Virus? « Sandy Chen

Geek Quest: All About Linux, But Where’s the Anti-Virus? « Sandy Chen — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 02:50:11 +0000

[...] ease my paranoia, I’m guided to this article by techthrob.com. Truth be told, it’s hard to reverse the brainwash Windows has done, [...]

By: hmm

hmm — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 20:48:08 +0000

@Mitza_003: why do I need a firewall on linux?

By: ewanm89

ewanm89 — Fri, 01 May 2009 17:20:58 +0000

You do rootkit checks though?

@Mitza_003, Firewalls just piss one off when they want to use a port… Better solution, do not run unknown services on your real interface (lo exists for a reason)

By: Mitza_003

Mitza_003 — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 14:55:43 +0000

You need a firewall on a sistem running linux. On the other hand, there is no need for an antivirus program.