If I change from XP to Linux will I have to buy a new security package. I am presently using Norton?

Question

If I change from XP to Linux will I have to buy a new security package. I am presently using Norton?

Answer 1

Unlike certain nimrods here who think changing to a tacky OS makes you hack proof; you will benefit from having some form of security for your computer.



Norton develops its products for the Windows and Macintosh platform, so I doubt either version will work for any version of Linux, but there's most likely a Linux AV out there.

Plus it's the best of the lot out there, think, if any of these free AV's are any good, they'd be charging £50 a pop like McAfee and Symantec do, rather than just being used by people too poor to afford them.



Don't be lulled into the ignorant stereotype that just because you're using an obsolete or older OS that you're hack proof; if you're connected to the internet, you can be targetted.

Answer 2

There is little need for any security past sudo in a linux system. However, it is advised to keep one running anyway. The closest thing to Norton for Linux, if I recall, is Clam Anti Virus. You can find it in most repos under ClamAV. I believe it is 100% command line though and I am not entirely sure how to work it. You would need to read up on it.



As some of the others before me have said, to get infected on linux, you would need to give the virus permission to execute. Then, it would need root privileges. With sudo in place and nearly everything in linux open source, it's hard to get a virus. Also, there are many distributions of Linux and many different programs to choose from, which is different from windows. Therefore, there are only about 200 viruses that are targeted towards linux and none of them are very common.



The main security tips are to keep sudo in place for tasks that require admin and never download a package from a site you do not trust. It's safest to use the repositories when possible.

Answer 3

LOL at the people above down talking free antivirus. Check out http://www.av-comparatives.org/



Their latest testing shows avira, a free program, and microsoft security essentials, also free, leading both mcafee and norton. Avast and Avg, the other 2 popular free ones are in the same discussion as norton. And actually mcafee sorta sucks. So stop being dumb and assuming things based on how much stuff costs and look at stats before you talk and get others believing your crap.



And to directly answer the question. ClamAV is a linux antivirus solution available for free. There is also a firewall called firestarter. If using ubuntu, both are available to install in the software center.



PS, that tacky os runs the majority of the websites available on the web and does it more reliably than the windows servers do. And If 1 particular game worked well in wine in linux, i would use linux full time, its FAR superior to windows once configured properly.

Answer 4

XP is a member of the windows family created by Microsoft. Although very common if not the most widely used operating system, it is required to have an anti-virus or security suite. With Linux however, an anti-virus or security suite is not needed. Not many people can write code that could cause harm to a Linux system due to its complexity when programing. However, if you do decided to go with Linux, you can say good bye to all the stuff that you are accustomed with windows, since NON of the programs made with windows will run on Linux. You can install an application that will allow you to do such a thing, but for most novice users of Linux it can be a daunting task. Often involving errors that will require a re-installation of Linux. If you're in doubt, there is ZorinOS which is a distro (distribution) of Linux. When installed it can be customized to look like Windows XP, Vista, and Windows 7. If you do decide to go with Linux, ZorinOS would be a good start for you to explore and learn Linux. Here is the link to get more info! http://www.zorin-os.webs.com/

Good luck.

Answer 5

When I was a XP user, one of the first thing I did was uninstall Norton AV. I was used AVG or AVAST. But when I decided to move to Linux (I am a happy UBUNTU user from 2008) I was never need an AV because LINUX is more secure than Windows at all.

I strongly recommend to switch to Ubuntu. After a few days you will never miss Windows.

Answer 6

If you change from XP to Linux you won't *need* a security package...



The only reason malware/crackers are rampant nowadays is bad practices from microsoft, even if there were any viruses on Linux, AND you were a "Typical" windows user, it would still take a lot of very specific steps to get a virus to work (Including password, permission changes, etc)



Firewall, antivirus, antispyware, antimalware in general is not necessary and sometimes just makes your system more vulnerable...



@Colanth: No, but there is such a thing as an operating system that does everything it can to enable malware of all types which - having the majority opinion - distorts everyones concept of "Immune" - put simply, viruses only work because so many computers are already compromised (By windows)



@Bull: Another typical "If it costs more it's better" argument... Go buy some expensive fake security suites big mister "Security consultant"



@Fordry: I'd stay away from firestarter... runs as root, hasn't had an update in 5 years, conflicts with ufw (Installed by default on ubuntu) - clamAV does the job but it's manual scan only... But then all you need it for is sending risky files to other people anyway...



@UK_PC_Tech: Agree on antivirus, but linux is not in "Development stage" and there are many articles on it's virus quashing abilities...



@OP: As you can see, you hit a touchy subject... IMO you should just google some of the articles on why you don't need/shouldn't use the above on linux, much more in depth...

Answer 7

Do your homework first, i don't recognize each and all of us that makes use of Norton anymore, It has come bottom of each and each and every of the list's on safe practices, it truly is garbage and takes up an undesirable lot of you pc area, like you I had Norton, and requested an analogous question, and that i replaced into given the following regulations. there are a spread of free anti-virus on the information superhighway, although the most stated is AVG, i exploit it and characteristic no issues, so keep your self some money, and procure it, i'm shocked that no human being else has suggested it yet, (in case you do determined be particular you remove each and each and every of the Norton first as you cant run 2 safe practices courses instantly), solid success.

Answer 8

If you play games, keep Windows and dual boot Linux. You'll have the best of both systems. In Linux install clamtk, it is Clam Antivirus with a GUI menu. Linux also has it's own firewall you can install. There are viruses and malware for every known operating system, but most do not have a drastic effect with Linux.

Answer 9

Norton and Mcafee are the worst Anti Virus you can get, they are just marketing tools made by Microsoft, hence why they are always free with computers then expect you to pay a fortune to have them permanently and then you need to download special tools to remove them completely You will need the Norton Removal Tool aswell as removing it from programmes and features.



PC Techs like myself check every anti virus, new and old, looking for the best one to provide ourselves with and most importantly our clients. Norton never finds the really harmfull viruses. So please take my advice and remove it. http://www.softpedia.com/get/Tweak/Uninstallers/Norton-Removal-Tool.shtml





The best anti viruses you can get are Trend Micro or Kaspersky, both offer a free 1 month trial before you buy. Every qualified PC tech like myself recommend these, and businesses we service also use them.



You can find them here : http://download.cnet.com/Trend-Micro-Internet-Security/3000-8022_4-10567655.html



http://download.cnet.com/Kaspersky-Internet-Security/3000-18510_4-10012072.html



These are only free for a month but are the BEST. AVG is the only free one that is as good, but still not upto mark with Trend or Kaspersky



Please do not go with what unqualified people are telling you when it comes to PC Security.



Linux is safer, but no operating system is immune to viruses. The reason so many viruses are about is because people have had a long time with windows to make them. Just as soon, the same thing will happen with linux and you will need something as well. I dont recommend switching to linux just yet, id give it another year. Linux is still in development stage, however once they have had more time on it then i believe this will be the better OS. But it needs more time. Stick with XP for now, or if you just want something newer, switch to Windows 7. You can always partition your hard drive and run both 7 and Linux.

Answer 10

You should have replaced Norton long ago (like before you connected the computer to the internet for the first time). You should have been using Avast (which is free). In Linux you can run Clam (which is also free). (You do need an anti-virus - there's no such thing as an operating system that's immune to viruses.)

Answer 11

No one is being helpful in answering your question here, it has just been turned in to a AV v AV discussion which is much fuelled by J



The plain fact is I have been running Linux since 2006 without Antivirus software at all



That in itself speaks volumes





LUg.

Answer 12

You can have XP and Linux on your computer if you want.

But you can use Norton for Linux if you want.

Look here:-

http://cybernetnews.com/best-linux-antivirus-kaspersky-clam-norton/