The Linux Advocate
by Scott Dowdle Linux Advocate LOGIN: Viruses, viruses, viruses. I was given the task of
hunting down a virus scanner for Linux. After doing a few
hours of web research I discovered there are actually two
known Linux viruses although one is totally harmless and the
other has not actually been discovered in the wild. Given
the fact that Linux was born with the Unix security
traditions, getting infected with a virus in Linux requires
quite a bit of work by the root user. I personally
have never actually heard of someone getting infected with a
Linux virus. On closer investigation of the McAfee VirusScan
for Linux, it was noted that the product is for scanning DOS
and Windows files rather than hunting for virtually
non-existent Linux items. Anyone sick of viruses on those
other OSes? I know I am. NEWS: Item #1: Open Season - Here's one of the more interesting
articles I've read about Open Source. Yeah, that was a poor
description. Just trust me and go read it at the following
URL: http://www.upside.com/texis/mvm/open_season?id=375471260
Item #7: What backlash? Linux acceptance strong - In
columns past, from some time ago, I took issue with the
conflicts within the Linux community with regards to
commercial software for our favorite free OS. The following
ZDNet article points out that there has been no noticeable
backlash towards the commercial software providers. I'm glad
to see it and you can see it to if you visit: http://www.zdnet.com/zdnn/stories/news/0,4586,1014877,00.html
The second issue of Linux Magazine hit the newstands. I'm not sure when it came out but I just noticed it at my local Barnes and Noble this week. Run, don't walk to go pick up your own copy. I'm not being paid to say that either. :) Not to diss Linux Journal or anything but Linux Magazine sure puts out an enjoyable magazine. The new issue has a fantastic three part article by members of the Apache Web Server development team. What I found most interesting was the information provided about the dealings with IBM and how classy and respectful the IBM people were... and how the Apache/IBM deal came about. IBM sure seems to know what they are doing lately. For anyone not knowing what I'm talking about, last summer IBM dropped their inhouse web server product for Apache. Who hasn't seen an IBM e-business commercial? Those ads are actually helping the spread of the web server that has approx. 56% of the market - Apache. Having said all of that, I hope Linux Magazine will get a clue about duplicating their print content online - http://www.linux-mag.com. So far the Linux Magazine site is a little out dated... still showing the cover for the first issue. "We are updating our online presence," is the explanation given. Being so impressed by their print edition makes me hopeful for the future of their web site. For the record, I did renew my subscription to Linux
Journal. I have a lot of respect for LJ publisher, Phil
Hughes. I actually had the pleasure of meeting Phil some
time ago at a presentation he gave at a University of
Washington Computer Faire. I have also lost count of the
number of times I've visited the LJ offices during visits to
Seattle. Hmmm, maybe I should quit saying I so much in this
column. Thanks for reading again! Comments and suggestions...
what do I have to do... start twisting some arms? I will you
know! Scott Dowdle
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