Do i need to have an antivirus with Ubuntu?

5 responses so far ↓

• 1 inconclusive_conjunction // Jul 17, 2008

  Not really. Even if you happened to download a file that was infected with a virus, it cannot escalate through Unix-style permissions and corrupt your system files or install a keylogger. It could destroy personal files in your home directory, but most modern viruses are about replicating and controlling your computer in a botnet, not deleting files.

  Besides, the only anti-virus products on the market, even for Linux, only check for the presence of Windows viruses.

• 2 AMB // Jul 17, 2008

  Probably not, But in case you're interested - you can read this article which also tells you where to download

  http://www.linux.com/articles/22899

• 3 discountbacon // Jul 17, 2008

  AVs for Linux are not (as) necessary as for Windows OS's, but it's still definitely a good measure to take. No operating system is completely "secure", despite what most say.

  I recommend installing ClamTk AV, which is very low on resources & still gets the job done.

• 4 cyberhaxer // Jul 17, 2008

  All families of linux-like/unix-like systems, like Ubuntu don't need antivirus. Antivirus are only used in windows platform. Securing your Ubuntu however depends on your firewall. So if you need to secure your box, study well of your firewall.

• 5 kuwacs // Jul 17, 2008

  Well, like a Mac, Ubuntu is UNIX based….and people believe that Macs don't get viruses……They CAN but no one has really bothered yet, because in the past, there were never really many Mac users….

  Its a good idea to have virus protection on any computer…

  Try AVG Free.

Leave a Comment