Do I need an antivirus scanner for Linux?

I'm about to switch from Windows over to Linux (my favorite distro of choice being OpenSUSE). The question that keeps burning in my mind is this: do I need an anti virus installed on my Linux machine like I do in Windows?

How about a mac (I'm going to buy my mother a mac book within the next two days.)?

Thank you

Do I need an antivirus scanner for Linux?virus removal

It's not a must to have antivirus on Linux computers but it's better to have it so you can scan files before sharing them with Windows computers.

Edit: I use Clam AntiVirus on Ubuntu 7.10 Gutsy Gibbon.

http://www.clamav.net/

Do I need an antivirus scanner for Linux?anti virus protection

Thank You.

You also have BitDefender, Avast, AVG and more antivirus software for Linux.

Peace and Love. Report It


There aren't many viruses for Linux/Mac, but it'd still be a good idea to have an anti-virus program to stop Linux/Mac viruses.
avast! makes a version for linux... http://www.avast.com/eng/download-avast-...
Unless you are dual booting with windows you currently dont need one, but that could change as linux gets more popular.