hello androids...hello virus?

ssl123 · Jun 9, 2010

Hello all,

I'm new to this forum & a big fan of HTC & HTC Desire in particular, need some advice / comments here.

Android phones like HTC are said to be prone to viruses due to its open source nature. May i know has anyone experienced any virus problems before (malware..etc), if yes is it a hassle to handle / fix & how? Or something we need not worry about?

Your comments are much appreciated,

Regards.

matttye · Jun 9, 2010

No problems yet,

Had my Desire for about two months and I tend to stick to only downloading apps with a lot of downloads and good reviews.

Limited users / limited feedback = more potential for danger.

CarsnGadgets · Jun 9, 2010

android isn't particularly known for getting viruses at all really, very few viruses are targeting anything other than microsoft windows.

I have 'Lookout' installed on my Desire anyway, its free and scans apps etc as to install them to check for viruses and mal ware.

Panama · Jun 9, 2010

As android is Linux based it doesn't get virus' in the same way windows os does. So from what I have read so far there is little threat at this point in time. It is more likely to suffer from malware and other than being vigilant and sensible about where you download from, I don't think there are any apps to protect against this persae(sp?)

lekky · Jun 9, 2010

Who says it's prone to viruses then...?

You actually fine that open source is less prone to viruses, this is because anyone can look at the source code and recognise and fix vulnerabilities. That's a well known benefit of open source.

Nodders · Jun 9, 2010

Would be interested in where you picked up this info ssl123 as it is nearly 180 degrees wrong

gibbs1984 · Jun 9, 2010

The only way you'd get a virus on Android/Linux is if you're stupid enough to install it yourself, basically anyway.

runamonk · Jun 9, 2010

Perhaps just trying to get people wound up?

Markg · Jun 9, 2010

Does the source of this information own an iPhone by any chance?

mr.hachi · Jun 9, 2010

Hysterical old woman syndrome (or talking crap considering it's their first post)

tanbe174 · Jun 9, 2010

Android is based on Linux. You can't get viruses unless you connect it with Windows and transfer infected files.

gibbs1984 · Jun 9, 2010

tanbe174 said:
Android is based on Linux. You can't get viruses unless you connect it with Windows and transfer infected files.

Even them you won't get a virus on Linux, it can't run .exe, unless you install WINE but then you do that at your own risk.

michiel.van.wessem · Jun 9, 2010

I have been running Linux for at least the past 10 years as my sole operating system, my running joke is that "really, one of these days I will get around to installing anti-vrius"

There are some proof-of-concept virii and worms for linux, but mostly ..

Adebisi · Jun 9, 2010

I got a virus on my desire that texted an ex girlfriend 'go **** yourself and die'. I went out and got really drunk then the next day I woke up the virus had texted her. After that the virus went off my phone of it's own accord I think as there was no trace of it the next day.

Nodders · Jun 10, 2010

gibbs1984 said:
Even them you won't get a virus on Linux, it can't run .exe, unless you install WINE but then you do that at your own risk.

And even then stock Desire Android does not have su permissions so it can't do much harm. Really puzzled at the OPs impression of the phone hence the interest in the source. It's equivalent to popping up and saying "Macs are said to be good games machines"

AlastairH · Jun 10, 2010

Adebisi said:
I got a virus on my desire that texted an ex girlfriend 'go **** yourself and die'. I went out and got really drunk then the next day I woke up the virus had texted her. After that the virus went off my phone of it's own accord I think as there was no trace of it the next day.

Made me laugh!

chris100575 · Jun 10, 2010

Adebisi said:
I got a virus on my desire that texted an ex girlfriend 'go **** yourself and die'. I went out and got really drunk then the next day I woke up the virus had texted her. After that the virus went off my phone of it's own accord I think as there was no trace of it the next day.

Nice one!

hello androids...hello virus?

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