[NTLUG:Discuss] Anti-linux bias in the media

[Greg Edwards]

David Brown wrote:
> 
> 
> 
> One word. Trojans.  They don't require auto-execution.
> 

> 
> This isn't true.  A hacked CVS or source tarbal would be a virus.  Yes, 
> you may run a CRC check, and not open attachments, but there are 500 
> million people that don't.  Therefore the virus would be effective even 
> on Linux.
> 

> 
> 
> Exactly.  I noted this specificlly in my reply.  Quote: "Virus on Linux 
> *will* become more prevalent as Linux grows on the desktop and more 
> non-geek users begin to migrate. "
> 
> My point is computers don't error, they fail.  Only users error.  User 
> error is why most computers get infected by virus.  Even Linux.
> 
> Dave
> 

Dave,

First off the scenarios that you site are NOT going to be used by novice 
users.  Not too many general desktop users are going to have the 
slightest idea what a tarball is let alone how to pull a CVS archive. 
And if the installer does know what they're doing they'll know better 
than to install new software as root on a production system without testing.

As far as the number increasing, I really have my doubts.  Linux may be 
a new kid on the block, but Linux is built on the *nix concepts and *nix 
OSes have been around the block more that a few times.  If you were 
going to see *nix viruses in abundance they would have showed up years ago.

Are the issues of viruses a concern with Linux?  Are the issues of 
Trojans a concern with Linux?  IMHO, yes to both.  However, they're more 
in the scope of a distraction than a constant vigilance (as with MS).

-- 
Greg Edwards
New Age Software, Inc.- http://www.nas-inet.com