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

[Steve Baker]

Greg Edwards wrote:

> 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.

What's changes is that in the pre-Linux day, the only UNIX machines were
in businesses and college campuses - and the ones on college campuses were
in organized computing facilities.

It would be hard for a bad guy to construct a virus under those circumstances.

What's different with Linux is that people have Linux machines at home where
they can work in peace and privacy on whatever evil plans they have in mind.

Also, 10 years ago, people with computers at home didn't send much email or
run Websites at anything like the rate they do now.  That would have made
spreading a virus via email almost impossible.

Back then, virii spread through the exchange of floppy disks - but most
UNIX boxes didn't even have floppy drives.

> 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).

I don't consider viruses to be any kind of concern at all.  Other
attacks on Linux boxes ARE a concern though.  I suspect a far larger
proportion of Linux boxes are connected 24/7 to the Internet through
DSL and Cable than are Windows boxes.  That makes us vulnerable to
people who wish to find a backdoor route into our machines.  That
is a concern to me - although so far (fingers crossed) my ancient
Linux firewall machine has done a great job.

---------------------------- Steve Baker -------------------------
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