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10 Jan 2006
Grisoft, the maker of AVG Anti-Virus software, has claimed that the fast growing popularity of Linux is making the operating system an increasingly attractive target for virus writers.
Peter Lipa, president of Grisoft, said: "With its growing popularity it is only a matter of time before the Linux operating system becomes more widely targeted by virus and malware writers."
Although Lipa accepts that Linux systems are among the most resistant to virus attacks, he said that all computer users should take precautionary measures by installing an antivirus program to address potential threats.
His comments coincide with the introduction of an updated free version of Grisoft's software designed for Linux desktops, AVG Free for Linux.
The revamped offering brings together AVG Free, Grisoft's product designed for free home use by individual users, and AVG for Linux, its commercial product designed to protect Linux servers in an enterprise environment.
AVG Free for Linux can be used on a single computer and is intended for private, non-commercial use only.
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Do you agree?
What viruses?
After over two years of continuosly using Linux (SUSE 10, now) I'm still wondering what a Linux virus is? I've not gotten any spyware, nor any and viruses, and I don't expect anything like it any time soon. I believe all this to be just more FUD!
Posted by: Mark Bench 11 Jan 2006
From CT
Lest just say this!!!! I?m been using AVG free for home use and I think this company won't just say thinks because they sell virus programs, if you look at how many users use AGV free compare with corporation sometimes I ask my self how this people make their money. I also use Linux it just logic think to happen brake the unbreakable... ED
Posted by: ED 11 Jan 2006
The Title Attracts More Readers
...who are then disappointed to find that the article has nothing to do with virus writers, but with the presumed popularity = vulnerability formula. Unfortunately, most security 'experts' fail to realize that bullies pick on runts because they are _vulnerable_.
Posted by: DC Parris 11 Jan 2006
I'm from Missouri
(not realy) but you are going to have "to show me" a Linux virus
Posted by: Jim Kissel 10 Jan 2006
Of course they say that!
They are freaking selling Anti Virus for Linux what do you expect? Would you expect pest control people to say that insects and termites aren't relevant to concrete homes? The fact is Linux is by design more resistant to computer viruses. Count them.
Posted by: Anonymous 10 Jan 2006
Article or advertisement?
As a linux user, I'm happy to hear that its use is becoming more widespread. However, when a company that writes antivirus software makes such a warning, I believe that we must read it as an advertisement instead of a (hopefully) unbiased news article. I commend Grisoft for supporting Linux nevertheless, and I hope that vnunet posts an article explaining why Linux systems are much more resilient to virii (for example because regular users are not able to modify system files, unlike Windows.)
Posted by: Michael Davis 10 Jan 2006