[clug] Anti-Virus Software

[Kevin Pulo]

On Tue, Jun 22, 2010 at 01:44:47PM +1000, Brett Worth wrote:

> Looks like I'm gunna need some AV software for my Linux systems.  Maybe I could run some
> in a VM or under Wine.  :-)
> 
> http://www.news.com.au/technology/no-anti-virus-software-no-internet-connection/story-e6frfro0-1225882656490

What caught my eye, and is more chilling and less silly, is this:

"Companies who release IT products with security vulnerabilities
should be open to claims for compensation by consumers."

How is that likely to affect free software?  eg, how would such a
measure interact with the GPL's (and others') "No warranty, no
liability" clauses?  Could every buffer overflow be a potential
lawsuit/class action?

Don't get me wrong, I hate vulnerable software as much as the next
person, but I would hope that the report had the sense to recommend
prescribed time limits (etc) for fixing security problems (since free
software is generally much faster and better at this).

Even then, the idea of having to maintain code I've given away, but
might not care about anymore, to avoid being sued, is not a great
feeling.

Kev.
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