Linux virus (was RE: [plug] Windows Briefing)

[Denis Brown]

Both ASUS and Award had something to say about the possibility of BIOS
corruption.  Had occasion to re-flash a BIOS and seem to recall that the
flash writer prog. had several options including save old BIOS to disk,
update only part of the image and update something else as well (related to
BIOS protection from the unGodly.)  So I figure it is possible.  Brad's
problem seems to be that he can't even get to the stage of sticking a
floppy in the drive to boot.  Ugly.

This unfortunately could be a future "growth area" for virus writers,
except that it's counter productive -- once the PC's died, it can't
propogate its evil deeds.

On a Linux-related note, I have often heard that Linux/Unix is immune to
viruses but often wondered "by what mechanism?"  Sure a prog. can only do
damage in user space if the machine's buttoned up so it can't get root
access, but there would still be damage, no?  Could someone enlighten me,
please?

Cheers,
Denis