Re: Does Linux have viruses?
Am Samstag, 4. Dezember 2004 00:07 schrieb Conrad Newton:
> This seems a little weak, but at least it is honest. Many of the
> more detailed discussions are completely unusable.
Hi there,
of course there are few exploits (namely: rootkits) that can dock to
single servers. But what you should focus on is the question:
Why isn't Linux interesting for Virus Programmers?
Well, first thought: it's tough, because it is actually very secure.
Second thought: There is yet too few Linux boxes (as for Desktops) to
make it spread. Now, how about Linux reaching a share of more than 20%
at desktop pcs?
To tell you the difference: Windows is a confectionated product out of
the box, adequate to fordistic mass production (nearly overcome as for
industry). Most recent Windows boxes are set up identically, like a
monoculture (if you have an idea of Biology).
Monocultures are very prone to be hit by some virus or disease one day,
as we know from Agriculture.
On the other hand, there is the freedom of Linux. Freedom now in the
sense of flexibility and polymorphism. You could write a virus for this
or that distribution, hoping it might disseminate. But to reach a
critical mass for real impact, you had to know every single distro.
This is why a Linux computer might be compromised - and stolen as well.
But Linux's freedom and diversity is a good condition for survival ;)
Regards
Ralf
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