Anti-Virus and Dazuko

[Daily Activist]

I've been using Kubuntu off and on for a while now. One of the Windows "habits" I'm having a hard time breaking is using anti-virus software. I've read different opinions about whether anti-virus software is needed at all on Linux.

I've read that viruses on Linux are rare but they do exist. I've also read that, even though Linux may not be susceptible to most viruses, they can pass viruses onto Windows users. So, I'm leaning towards being safe and want to have anti-virus software installed.

The problem I'm running into is that any anti-virus software that provides on access virus scanning requires Dazuko and I have yet to figure out how to get Dazuko to work. My questions are these:

1. Should I not worry about viruses at all? If not, please provide a compelling argument.

2. Is there an on access virus scanner that doesn't require Dazuko?

3. Assuming there's no on access virus scanner that doesn't require Dazuko, could someone please provide a simple step-by-step guide on how to get it to work?

Peace, respect and thanks...

[dibl]

Re: Anti-Virus and Dazuko

I've also read that, even though Linux may not be susceptible to most viruses, they can pass viruses onto Windows users.

That is true, as far as it goes. But the question is, "how"? If you are in the habit of forwarding e-mail that has unknown attachments and links in it, then that would be the way to pass someone a virus (assuming they are foolish enough to open it on their Windows systems). Don't forward those mystery messages, and that's the end of your worries about re-distributing viruses.

It is generally accepted (you can do the research to verify) that if your home PC is connected to your Internet service via a router that has had its default IP address changed, and your Linux system has the public ports closed by default (like *buntu and most distros), and you don't enable server services that open ports, you are "strongly" protected from deliberate attack of malware or virus. In such case, you are probably achieving nothing but anxiety relief by running anti-virus software.

Rather than task the Forum to provide a compelling argument in the negative, can you find any examples of Linux users, running a setup as described above, whose systems were compromised by viral infection? I can't.

[Jonas]

Re: Anti-Virus and Dazuko

Hello.

Rather then start a new thread about this I post here.
I have been searching and reading about virus protection with *buntu on here, Ubuntu forums and elsewere, and pretty much all say the same, something like "you could pass on a virus to a M$ PC thru emails or likewise, and/or if you as user ain't careful you may get something as well".

However, from as much as I know, the threat against a Mac OS X user isn't that big either, I have a friend who use a Mac and OS X and I'm positive that she have a virus that send me and others messages over M$N (did so today). I don't click on those links but I'm not sure that I'm protected against passing those messages over to someone else. I'm a bit anxious as I got infected by something during my last (and hopefully final) go on Windows XP, and my account on WoW got "hacked", probably a key-logger.

Question remains, if she on OS X got a virus (that probably caused my account to get hacked) could I get infected (even though it's not the same OS)?

I would like to be able to use Kopete, bittorrent and other apps that are in need of some open ports.

I installed Clamav and it say it's a CUI, fine .. but I'm not sure how to use it, man command don't give me any feedback.

Sorry for this long post on something that's likely been covered millions of times, but from all I read on forums my questions remain, and I rather not like to hike around the net and google searching for "virus"

Maybe this should have been a post in Help the new guy forum

Jonas