this post was submitted on 13 Sep 2025
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Linux
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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).
Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.
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I've used Linux Mint and other distros daily for more than 10 years. Never had a virus or malware issue and don't even run antivirus software.
During that same time I've had to help friends remove viruses and malware from their Windows machines dozens of times. The latest Windows disaster I've assisted with was a few months ago. A retired friend had her Windows 10 machine hijacked and $8K stolen from her savings account. Making sure the malware was removed required hours of work formatting the drive and reinstalling Windows.
IMO you are far safer with a plain vanilla Linux install that you are with Windows, no matter what steps you take to secure your Windows installation.
You sure though? Windows has more viruses because it's more popular (desktop) and monolithic, not because Linux is much better in that regard. IOW Linux is not magically virus resistant. If you run an infected file, it will infect both without much trouble. Also removing infection would be similar. At least that's my understanding.
What do you want? It should go without saying that I am absolutely sure of my own experience.
In probably 15 years total of running Linux I have not had a single problem with malware or viruses. Part of that time was also running Windows regularly and my Windows systems DID become infected with both malware and viruses occasionally, despite my best efforts. And you're not mentioning the fact that Linux runs on 63% of the server market and those systems are under constant attack.
Reports of Linux system infections are truly rare, and considering the nature of the user community would be widely and loudly reported if they were happening.
Do you have any experience in this matter? Have you had your own Linux installations infected, or are you a Windows user questioning what you're reading? (Perfectly reasonable if the 2nd one's the case.) Please fill us in on the details.
It's hard enough getting legit software in general to work on Linux. Even if a virus was written for Ubuntu, it is likely not going to run on Fedora, or Arch, or even downstream/upstream versions of Ubuntu.
Edit: Although thinking about it, Linux terminal commands are pretty universal, so if you manage to execute a script or terminal command as root or sudo then I guess it could apply to multiple distros.