[NCLUG] Linux Alternatives & Necessities for Home Use

[Bob Proulx]

Rich Young wrote:
> Dan wrote:
> > You're running linux, what more do you need? 
> 
> Well, I know I'm facing a much friendlier internet when I get off the
> Windows bandwagon, but I'm sure *some* viruses/worms/etc. are written
> for linux/unix environments.

In 1988 I remember the famous sendmail worm.  It targeted DEC
minivaxen and Sun specifically.  I was running HP-UX and so escaped
targetting but would have been hit if it had been targeted.  Since
then, let's see there was ..., no that was MS.  And then there was
... no that was MS too.  Gosh, I can't think of any viruses or worms
in recent memory.  Can you?

> Mozilla-core browsers have security flaws, too....  

"Had" is usually the operative word.  When a security flaw is found
they don't usually stay unfixed for very long.  Just keep up to date
with current software.  That is really the thing that protects Free
Software.  Everything is visible and so fixes can be generated
quickly.

> It looks like Clam AV (clamav.net) is one option; anyone have experience
> with that or want to suggest alternatives?

Those virus scanners are there to protect MS machines behind them.
Usually you put a firewall (such as a GNU/Linux machine) in front of
the MS-Windows machines to protect the MS machine.  The scanner is not
there to protect the UNIX/GNU machine.

Although virus scanners are important to protect your mail inbox.  But
if you have been using windows all of this while then you will have
had your mailbox elsewhere and it is probably already protected by a
virus scanner at the place that you are currently reading it.

Bob