Does Linux distros need real time virus protection?

[hideipuser]

I have this doubt for a very long time.

Does Linux Distros really need real time virus protection?

For surfing the net mostly I use LinuxMint. How do I protect firefox in Mint from loading dangerous contents?

Thanks in advance.

[kv777]

A Simple Suggestion is to Use WOT.and download only from the sites you trust

i think that(probably i am wrong) so called dangerous programs are aimed at windows users as they are large in number but linux market share is very small so we must be safe..i think

[hideipuser]

Thanks for your reply. But do you have any idea to block activeX like contents here?

[kv777]

Thanks for your reply. But do you have any idea to block activeX like contents here?

I suppose activeX is only for windows softwares!

i dont no wheather sandbox applications are avilable for linux if do so

use it.

[hellnoire]

ActiveX is IE based, so if you don't use IE 4 Linux, you're fine. At the same time, it's not going to kill you to get a bum ActiveX... as the way the file structure is set up, it can't go to key files without your permissions (sudo)

There are no sandbox applications for Linux unless you look at Virtual PCs, and for keeping your Linux box safe, COMMON SENSE is your best preventive.

GetDeb.
PlayDeb.
Gnome-Look(for the most part)
KDE-Look
Softpedia
Built-in Repos
Medibuntu

Basically, if you find a new site that you're unsure about, run it by WoT. That's the best way.

And...

Linux isn't Windows
Windows isn't Linux

Keep in mind that it's much harder to target Linux as a whole for infection. Mostly because we have the lesser market share but also because we're more in-the-know. For the most part.

If you want to keep the most safe from infections, in Mint or any other Linux distro, simple tips:

• Never run your web browser under Root or Sudo
• Never run things from untrusted sources
• GOOGLE is a godsend when it comes to programs

Also... there's no such thing as a real time scanner for viruses for Linux. No point except to waste resources.

[hideipuser]

Thanks for your neat clarification.

I also use "Crossover for Linux". Does this app prone to virus?

[hellnoire]

Yes and no. Like Wine, you can install the malware programs (like Antivirus 2010) but it doesn't compromise your computer and you don't have to worry about it affecting anything else.

[hideipuser]

Thanks. I am going to use it for the trusted apps only.

[hellnoire]

Fair enough that's what most people do anyway lol. Just keep an eye out for incompatibility. Not everything's perfect under Linux.

[wond]

Agree with hellnoire.
On Wine & Crossover; even if it gets infected (and something like AVG, bitdefender, clamav, avira, avast , etc. on linux should be able to catch it) you can get rid of it on linux itself and move forward.
Real time scanning is available using the dazuko module but it's a resource hog. On-demand is just good enough.