Virus that infects Windows and Linux identified

In this story: Not spreading yet Routine anti-virus scan suggested RELATED STORIES, SITES

ATLANTA, Georgia (CNN) -- Computer security experts have identified what they say is the first virus capable of infecting both the Windows and Linux computer operating systems.

W32.Winux is what's known as a "proof of concept" virus. The virus was sent to an anti-virus company, and it is not now causing any problems for computer users.

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"It's a technical achievement within the virus writing community, in this case the ability to infect both Windows and Linux executable files," said Steven Sundermeier, product manager with the security company Central Command.

Not spreading yet

At this time W32.Winux does not carry a destructive payload, and it is not "in the wild," meaning it is not spreading via e-mail or the Internet.

But Sundermeier told CNN that the source code, or blueprint, now exists for others to alter the virus, making it malicious.

Central Command, based in Medina, Ohio, received W32.Winux through an anonymous submission account. Sundermeier says his company typically gets 40-100 such virus submissions every day. While the submission carried an e-mail address of .cz, indicating it came from the Czech Republic, he says he can't be sure of its origin.

Routine anti-virus scan suggested

A number of different anti-virus scans are available free on the Internet. Anti-virus companies say a check of alerts should be a daily ritual on the Web site of whatever anti-virus software users have on their computer.

Sundermeier says even though the average user may only hear about dramatic or destructive viruses every couple of months, anti-virus software is usually updated daily by the major computer security companies.

Windows and Linux are operating systems that govern the basic functions of computers.

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