Is an antivirus needed for linux home usage when there is exchange of files with other OS e.g. Windows?
I was under the impression that an antivirus for Linux makes sense only for installing in business computers. Checking Norton/BitDefender/Karpesky I don't see any Linux option for the first or any non business specific solution for the other two. This is consistent with what I was thinking that an AV for any other users is useless.
But then I read this from Ubuntu
If you want to be extra-safe, or if you want to check for viruses in files that you are passing between yourself and people using Windows and Mac OS, you can still install anti-virus software. Check in the software installer or search online; a number of applications are available.
I am confused with this. If we get a file from a Windows machine that is infected e.g. pdf/movie/word doc how can the infection that is targeting Windows be a threat to the linux computer/laptop? If there is a very frequent exchange of files or usb sticks that are used in Windows also used in a linux installation e.g. Kubuntu, does that mean that an AV is mandatory?
