[SGVLUG] Linux viruses [was: (no subject)]

[Christopher Smith]

John E. Kreznar wrote:
> Dustin Laurence <dustin at laurences.net> writes:
>> The few Linux viruses "out there" don't actually spread in practice.
> 
> How could this be verified?

Well, it depends on how strict your definition of virus is. There are a 
few Linux worms who have most definitely spread in practice. You can 
read the new stories about them.

In general though, Linux viruses are at a unique disadvantage to Windows 
viruses when it comes to "spreading" that has little to do with the 
technical merits of their security systems: a Windows virus has about a 
90% chance of finding another windows machine each time it acquires a 
new target, but a Linux virus has ~1% chance. It turns out the wonders 
of network effects work for virus writers too. ;-)

--Chris