Why is Linux not affected by viruses?

[deepabhargavi]

It is said that linux is not affected by virus. can anybody explain why?

 

[IanP]

Re: about virus

Sure, there are Linux viruses. But let's compare the numbers. According to Dr. Nic Peeling and Dr Julian Satchell's Analysis of the Impact of Open Source Software (note: the link is to a 135 kb PDF file):

"There are about 60,000 viruses known for Windows, 40 or so for the Macintosh, about 5 for commercial Unix versions, and perhaps 40 for Linux. Most of the Windows viruses are not important, but many hundreds have caused widespread damage. Two or three of the Macintosh viruses were widespread enough to be of importance. None of the Unix or Linux viruses became widespread - most were confined to the laboratory."

So there are far fewer viruses for Mac OS X and Linux. It's true that those two operating systems do not have monopoly numbers, though in some industries they have substantial numbers of users. But even if Linux becomes the dominant desktop computing platform, and Mac OS X continues its growth in businesses and homes, these Unix-based OS's will never experience all of the problems we're seeing now with email-borne viruses and worms in the Microsoft world. Why?

Why are Linux and Mac OS X safer?

More details at:
https://www.theregister.co.uk/2003/10/06/linux_vs_windows_viruses/

Regards,
IanP

 

[dipal_z]

about virus

some information is available here as well http://www.whylinuxisbetter.net/items/viruses/index.php

 

[Anno]

about virus

well we usually don't download or execute a random .exe file. You download the source from a trusted supplier and compile it self. thus the executable will not have a virus except if it is built in the code.
even RPM's must be downloaded from trusted sources.

 

[Ragnarok83]

Re: about virus

just because is not windows!!! and all the people create virus for windows, and some for linux, but also linux has a really good files permission system, for that reason try to use your linux online like other user, not like root.

 

[adsl]

about virus

It is not necessarily true. Fewer viruses for Linux is mainly due to its smaller market share.

 

[louisnells]

Re: about virus

Not fully true. There used to be viruses on LINUX too. But they were few. And I don't think they are mature or up-to-date to effet the current LINUX platform.

Anyway most of the viruses utilise some security hole left by developer on a program like OutLook or Windows as general. But in the case of LINUX. its not maintained by a single programmer or organisation like MS. Its managed by whole lot of people, who are not just USER. So because a huge mass of people of people working around world on LINUX every day most of the loop-holes on the LINUX is fixed by the user of the LINUX program or reported to the main DEVELOPERS.

Also another thing about LINUX is that its not a closed platform. Its open to every one and has good design. So LINUX remains flawless than Windows or any other MS programs. Anyway even if a program is not developed by MS its built on base with a lot of flaws on them, so even a well designed program can be effected by virus in Windows.

I believe a system won't survive just because it has a flaw less design. The one who manages has to be aware of the security. The wrongly configured systems are always a work space for hackers.

It is said that linux is not affected by virus. can anybody explain why?

 

[dragonight_x]

Re: about virus

Well, Linux doesn’t as much security holes as windows for example ……hackers use these holes to attack the operating system so that gives Linux a better amenity than windows

 

[III]

about virus

Another thing is that it's almost impossible or at least very difficult for an mallicose code to execute under linux, for a virus to effect linux you'd have to be logged in as root and execute the specific file that holds or is the virus usually by typing ./virus_executable.
Not saying that a gifted coder couldn't make or get a virus to your system but unlike windows he'd have a tough time executing and spreading it.
Usually linux is effected by malicious scripts embeded in web sites.