Few viruses are currently known for UNIX or Linux. However, virus checking is necessary for these reasons:
- UNIX or Linux computers acting as servers for other operating system client workstations can become carriers for other virus types, e.g. Windows macro viruses.
- UNIX and Linux computers are often used as mail servers, and can check email for worms and infected attachments before they reach the desktop.
- If your UNIX or Linux computer is running a PC emulator (a 'soft PC'), applications running under that emulator are vulnerable to viruses, particularly macro viruses.
By default, Sophos Anti-Virus for UNIX/Linux and Sophos Anti-Virus for Linux scan for UNIX/Linux, DOS, Macintosh and all types of Windows viruses.