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It probably would, since the aim is to be able to run x86 Windows binaries natively.

Viruses and all types of malware that already exist are almost exclusively x86 Windows binaries.

Having said that, LUK should be able to run anti-malware programs natively also, just as they run on Windows. Perhaps this one would be an option:

http://www.moonsecure.com/

If running anti-virus and anti-malware addons is good enough for millions upon millions of Windows users, I don't see why anyone would (justifiably) object to having to do it also for LUK.

PS: Thom ... you did a good job of polishing this article from the original submission.

Edited 2009-05-28 12:35 UTC

It probably would, since the aim is to be able to run x86 Windows binaries natively.

Indeed, Windows viruses and malware would work just as well as any other app. The difference is that we have access to all the source-code and such so the devs can fix bugs and harden the default settings. And you don't need all the services running under LUK that you have under "real" Windows.

Personally, if they can get this LUK thing working properly then I welcome it as long as they/distro makers make it easy to turn on and off the NT-kernel parts. I know many people don't want those, reasons aside, and atleast on server machines it is better to leave the NT-kernel out. The thing that I am most looking out for is the ability to use Windows-drivers for the few odd hardware devices that don't have Linux-drivers available.

So long as binaries don't have executable permissions based on extension, then I don't think Linux/UNIX will have the same level of virus infestation on users desktops.

The reason being, if users have to set an executable flag on files, worms (such as dodgy e-mails / web scripts) couldn't infect a Linux machine. Thus the only way a host machine could become infected is if the user intentionally runs a Trojan (e.g. dodgy warez or porn sites that "require" additional codecs to be installed) - which granted will happen, but you can't protect against that kind of stupidity on any kind of OS

So in short - I don't think integrating windows binary compatibility into the Linux kernel automatically makes Linux vulnerable to Windows malware.

I could just imagine trying to mix Microsoft patented and copyright technologies into Linux distros. That is all we need. Next thing we would be sending payment to Redmond every time we install a Linux distro.
This sounds like an attempt at a quick fix that would invite nothing but time sucking problems, security issues, and legal disasters into the pristine Linux landscape. Keep your distance with that stuff! it aint goin' on my box.

Technically if that virus relied on a bug or exploit in Windows, it won't work on Longene, just as it won't work (or is very unlikely to) on ReactOS. If it just uses standrd Win32 API's it will work. So that's a yes and a no.