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.