Malware viruses can strike any time and are spread by reading emails, Instant Messenger Service and browser cache. You often don't know you have opened a program with malware until it is too late. Working with a Windows Operating System means vigilant monitoring of your computer's anti virus software. Swift and severe response to the omnipresent virus threat can cost you up to $300 per virus correction. That, combined with a total re-haul of your operating system may cause you to turn to debt consolidation companies to help deal with the financial ramifications. There is a better way however. With a Linux Operating System that constant fear of a Trojan horse virus crashing your computer is a thing of the past.
Linux operates on a platform that does not load virus-laden software unless you give it express permission to. Linux permissions are universal and grant access to three areas: the ability to execute read and write. These permissions are given in only three levels: the signed in user, the root user and everyone else. Unless you have permission as a root user you are not allowed to send, open or execute the type of software that corrupts entire systems.
Most malware is sent by through email that requires that you open an attachment. This doesn't happen on Linux. All recently downloaded file via your email or browser do not have the privilege to execute. Only the root user has that privilege. Linux does not identify the contents of files based on their extension. For example a malware disguising itself as a .mp3 or .wav file are not run on Linux systems and won't be run on accident.
While Linux is not impervious to all viruses you can rest assured that Linux won't accidentally open up a malware file and crash your entire system. You have to do that yourself.