RE: QUERY: Linux and virii...

["dodobh@xxxxxxxxxxx" <dodobh@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Frederick Noronha
>Is this argument correct? It's a response received through the IINN-L >mailing list. -FN

<snip>
>>If and when Linus becomes popular enough, you can bet your bottom >>paisa that there will more virii for Linux than there are for >>windows.
<snip>

Partially correct. Viruses can cause damage to system files on Linux only if they run as root. Data loss can occur for any user, but it affects only that user.
Uptil now, more than the fact that the Linux/Unix community is small,
the fact that nix users are more clued up has helped in stopping
viruses. This doesn't help with worms, however :(.

Also, the default for most unices is on the safer side, as compared to 
to windows, where any file can be executed by default.

If the *nix community is joined by large numbers of clueless people
who always work as root, you will definitely see a surge in the number
of viruses. However, if the newbies get clued up fairly soon, then
there will be fewer viruses.

And even if there are more viruses, the damage caused will be much
smaller.

Devdas Bhagat.
--
Be ALERT. The world needs more lerts.



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