A default Ubuntu Linux install is also a very easy target for hackers/crackers and whatnot. Though they can do very little harm without the root priviliges, I'd suggest everyone with a Linux server to check their iptables settings. Many, many ports open out-of-the-box Still, GNU/Linux is very secure compared to Windows. And if you are so scared of viruses, switch to OS/2 Warp Shouldn't need to worry about viruses anymore
I've got a software firewall and nothing more for all of my computers - home fileserver, Vista box that never gets used, Macbook Pro, and Thinkpad running OSx86. Normally it's a hardware firewall a la router, but I'm at school (I'm sure they've got one in place, but I don't control it so it doesn't count). You get viruses from doing stupid things; I know better. Worms and trojans are a different story, but by running a firewall of sorts and keeping the OS patched, it's a non-issue. And not only does my computer run faster because it's not bogged down with an AV, it's also devoid of crapware.
What he said /\ I'ce got a hardware firewall on my router, use Opera exclusively, have Spybot with Teatimer on all my machines, and my primary desktop is a linux box. I've only ever had one virus and that was my own stupid fault. AV software is in principal a good thing, especially for all the technology "have nots" out there, but for the "haves" it's generally unecessary. I don't like how the big AV vendors try to constantly scare their users into upgrades and additpnal products.
IMO if you know what you're doing you don't need AV. A fully patched version of XP runs beautifully with the built-in firewall.
I run AVG but not religiously - if i think about it after a fresh install then i'll put it on, otherwise im not bothered. Being careful about where you browse and what you download is the best defence against virii. I rarely ever get warned about viruses, if i recall only once in the past year or so.
I have it installed, but disabled. I just scan the odd thing manually that may be a bit dodgy. No point having it going all the time unless you really do have no idea what your doing.
