Virus hits both Linux and Windows, Mar 28, 2001

A computer virus that can infect PCs running either the ubiquitous Windows operating system or the increasingly popular Linux operating system emerged on Tuesday, which its discoverers say is a world first. The virus, dubbed "W32.Winux" by the company that first reported it, anti-virus firm Central Command, is not destructive and does not appear to have infected any computers yet. Still, the virus sets a disturbing precedent.

There are too many Linux distributors in the world and we can expect to see a shakeout, IBM's Vice-President for Linux Sales and Marketing Steve Solazzo, said at CeBit "There is an over-proliferation of Linux providers," he said. "There are over 150 Linux distribution companies in the world and the world doesn't need that many. We will see consolidation." The Linux distributions worth backing include Suse, Turbo Linux, Red Hat and Caldera, according to IBM.

Security experts have downplayed the risk of what is reported to be the first virus that can infect both Windows- and Linux-based PCs.

Alex Shipp, of MessageLabs, said: "W32.Winux has curiosity value but whether it makes it into the wild and infects anyone is doubtful," and added that the virus is also very easy to detect.

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