God | # 71 | 2009-11-29, 16:58 | Report

avast-for-linux-workstation

javispedro | # 72 | 2009-11-29, 17:02 | Report

... which scans for windows virus.... (as the "supported executable packers" field reveals).

white_ranger | # 73 | 2010-01-25, 10:09 | Report

If it can, what kind of antivirus program can i use and where can i download it?

Wiener | # 74 | 2010-01-25, 10:15 | Report

Sure N900 can get viruses.
However, there are no scanners , at least from what I know.

Although porting a linux / PC scanner would be easy we would need signatures specific for ARM / Maemo.

jaark | # 75 | 2010-01-25, 10:17 | Report

Also, the virus (or more likely worm) would need to be written for the n900 - conficker and all his windows buddies are not going to infect the n900.

maxximuscool | # 76 | 2010-01-25, 10:29 | Report

beside! who would try to write a virus for N900? it's an opensource OS phone, which let you do everything on it just like the desktop version. The point is it's LINUX and hackers love LINUX lol. The only reason windows got so much virus because it's microsoft product with a ripped off price. So MAEMO5 seem pretty safe in the wild.

Darkshine | # 77 | 2010-01-25, 10:48 | Report

It's the same situation as Desktop/Server Linux - technically, it's possible but practically it's less of an issue than we're used to with Windows machines. The permissions system mixed with the way that we install programs (authorised repositories as opposed to 'that file you downloaded') creates a much more secure device, and in the FLOSS world the effort tends to be directed toward patching security holes (or making sure they don't come up in the first place) rather than reactive 'anti-virus' software. The best protection against malicious software is to stick to the approved and properly-administered repositories.

Others might (will probably) disagree, but I think one of the strengths of Linux (and other UNIX derivatives) is the focus on proactive security, negating the need for reactive defenses. Locking the door before the horse bolts, so to speak

Edit: Also, sticking to well-maintained Open Source software is inherently more secure - not that I'd want to take anything away from the proprietary software available in Ovi Store

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Last edited by Darkshine; 2010-01-25 at 10:50.

MrWeasel | # 78 | 2010-01-25, 10:51 | Report

Usually the linux privileges and user system prevents harmful (to the system) virusses well.

But: on almost every n900 root access is available via 'sudo gainroot' WITHOUT password. So I do actually see a security hole there and I wish there was a away to restrict root access with a password as usual (at least there is no way I know about).

Darkshine | # 79 | 2010-01-25, 10:55 | Report

I don't get why bog-standard sudo isn't implemented?

EDIT: Oh, of course I do - you can't have one-click install if you have a root password..

etuoyo | # 80 | 2010-01-25, 10:59 | Report

I keep getting msn messanger spam messages. Not sure how that happened. Does that mean my device could have a virus or is it just my msn with the problem? Is there a way to get rid of it?