How to Install BitDefender Scanner in Ubuntu 13.10, Linux Mint 16

Last updated: October 23, 2013

This tutorial shows how to install BitDefender Antivirus Scanner in Ubuntu 13.10 Saucy or Linux Mint 16 Petra from bitdefender repository.

Bitdefender is an antivirus software suite developed by Romania-based software company Softwin. You can use the Free Edition on Ubuntu Linux to scan remove devices and ntfs partitions.

Tutorial Objectives:

  • Install BitDefender Scanner in Ubuntu 13.10 or Linux Mint 16
  • Enjoy!

To get started, press Ctrl+Alt+T on your keyboard to open terminal. When it opens, run commands to add BitDefender repository for Linux:

sudo sh -c 'echo "deb http://download.bitdefender.com/repos/deb/ bitdefender non-free" >> /etc/apt/sources.list.d/bitdefender.list'

Then get the key:

wget -O- -q http://download.bitdefender.com/repos/deb/bd.key.asc | sudo apt-key add -

After that, you can install the Scanner after checking for updates. Or run:

sudo apt-get update; sudo apt-get install bitdefender-scanner-gui

You can also install Bitdefender-samba, Bitdefender-mail with the commands below:

sudo apt-get install bitdefender-samba bitdefender-mail

Once installed, restart your computer and you’ll see the shortcut icon in Unity Dash.

bitdefender ubuntu 13.10

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I'm a freelance blogger who started using Ubuntu in 2007 and wishes to share my experiences and some useful tips with Ubuntu beginners and lovers. Please comment to let me know if the tutorial is outdated! And, notify me if you find any typo/grammar/language mistakes. English is not my native language. Contact me via ubuntuhandbook1@gmail.com Buy me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/ubuntuhandbook1

12 responses to How to Install BitDefender Scanner in Ubuntu 13.10, Linux Mint 16

  1. Is it really free when:
    sudo sh -c ‘echo “deb http://download.bitdefender.com/repos/deb/ bitdefender non-free” >> /etc/apt/sources.list.d/bitdefender.list’
    says non-free? Or is it a free trial?

  2. If you have just switched to Linux and started looking for an antivirus solution, don’t bother – you do not need an antivirus program on Linux.

    There are some situations when running an antivirus on Linux makes sense, but the average Linux desktop isn’t one of them. You would only want an antivirus program to scan for Windows malware.

    • Sorry, but you are WRONG! For many years, Linux (or GNU/Linux) operating systems have been considered less vulnerable than Windows operating systems, and this is true for the most part. However, the myth that they are immune to virus attack is completely false. The Linux platform’s early low-instance of attacks was primary due to:
      1.) the lack of root access required for malware to infiltrate the system (it’s always best NOT to run your Linux OS as Root [i.e., Administrator] for a variety of reasons),
      2.) the Linux community’s ability to quickly patch vulnerabilities, and
      3.) the low adoption rate of Linux in the corporate network.
      These reasons made Linux a lower priority target for the writers of malware. However, that priority is changing quickly as the platform’s popularity across sectors increases. You can Google it and educate yourself with regard to the fact that there are currently cross-platform viruses/malware out there that infect across Windows, Mac, and Linux. I read a couple articles just the other day. Linux is typically MORE SAFE than the alternatives (especially Windows), but it IS NOT immune. Any intelligent Linux user will tell you as much. And even if you choose to be ignorant on the issue and think your Linux is immune, it is still a good idea to have an antivirus installed so that you do not accidentally transfer viruses that don’t affect you to those it does (like Windows users). In the words of one of Eminem’s songs, “Be smart; don’t be a retard.” Think about more than just yourself.

  3. i just install bitdefender on pear OS 8 just like you explain here , all installed good but when i want to scan the screen of bitdefender dissapear suddenly and nothing happens after, can you help please?
    Michel

  4. how to uninstall bitdefender scaner plz help me

  5. DR. Abbas Ahmadi January 31, 2014 at 7:14 pm

    Dear Jim,
    I enjoyed reading your instructions on “How to Install BitDefender Scanner in Ubuntu 13.10, Linux Mint 16” posted at:
    http://ubuntuhandbook.org/index.php/2013/10/install-bitdefender-ubuntu-13-10-linux-mint-16/

    In your instructions you mentioned:

    sudo apt-get update; sudo apt-get install bitdefender-scanner-gui

    In this command the “gui” which means “Graphic User Interface”. I am running Ubuntu Server 13.10 64-bit without a Graphic User Interface. What will be the right command for Ubuntu Server 13.10 64-bit without gui?

    Best Wishes
    Dr. Abbas Ahmadi
    University of California
    USA

    • There’s also a bitdefender-scanner package in this repository. I think that’s what you want.

      By the way, the latest Bitdefender for Linux was released 3+ years ago. I’ll recommend clamav, the Linux’s native virus scanner.

  6. Hy,
    I install it on my linux mint 16 and i don’t see it anywhere. Does not appear in the menu / all aplications.
    Where i can find the aplication?

  7. David in Bavaria October 16, 2014 at 1:15 pm

    Is BitDefender for Linux still valid? I installed and loaded the database – was then shocked to see that the date of the Engine was 2008!

    • Yes it is. The engine is a 2008 but the malware definitions aren’t as long You make the updates before the scan.

      If You install some Windows compatibility software, as for instance Wine, CrossOver, PipeLight or PlayOnLinux, because You wanna run some Windows software as MS Office and so forth, then You may consider the necessary to install a Linux antivirus which cover Windows malware. If so, Bitdefender for Unices is the choise.