Linux

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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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Antiviruses? (lemmy.world)

submitted 2 days ago by ArchmageAzor@lemmy.world to c/linux@lemmy.ml

57 comments fedilink hide all child comments

I know that Linux is more secure than Windows and normally doesn't need an antivirus, but know myself I'm gonna end up downloading something at some point from somewhere on the internet, and it would be good to be prepared. So, which antivirus would you recommend for Linux (Mint specifically) just to double up on security?

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[–] eugenia@lemmy.ml 30 points 2 days ago (1 children)

If you're careful and only install from the repo, you generally don't need an AV. But if you do, ClamAV is the main AV on Linux. Installation tutorial for Mint: https://idroot.us/install-clamav-linux-mint-22/

[–] Tenderizer78@lemmy.ml 11 points 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago) (1 children)

Doesn't ClamAV only check for Windows viruses that are passing through a Linux server?

[–] Zak@lemmy.world 15 points 1 day ago

No. ClamAV can, for example scan Linux ELF executables and its database contains signatures for malware that could affect desktop Linux. The most common use case is servers that are distributing files, but it can be used to scan local files.

The local use case is fairly rare because malware targeting desktop Linux is rare. That's partly because Linux users tend to have a better understanding of computers on average than Windows users, and partly because the sort of attack vectors that work well against Windows users don't align with Linux workflows (e.g. if you want to execute a file sent as an email attachment, you'll have to save it and set it executable first).