Antivirus for sever

[x_kzy_xd]

I'm recently running a headless windows server for file sharing purposes. It runs Server 2008 R2.

I haven't touched Windows in a long time; the rest of my household is exclusively Macs.

Since it's just a file server, do I really need antivirus? It's a resource hog, and most antivirus are not compatible with Server 2008 R2. They require you do buy expensive enterprise versions.

So I am going to be fine without any antivirus?

 

[theevilsharpie]

I don't see a need for an antivirus program if all you're using the server for is storing files.

 

[mirandu04]

Also linux is always a good option ....

 

[Bubbaleone]

I'm recently running a headless windows server for file sharing purposes. It runs Server 2008 R2.

I haven't touched Windows in a long time; the rest of my household is exclusively Macs.

Since it's just a file server, do I really need antivirus? It's a resource hog, and most antivirus are not compatible with Server 2008 R2. They require you do buy expensive enterprise versions.

So I am going to be fine without any antivirus?

Here's an interesting, and informative, TechRepublic discussion on: Anti-virus on file servers?

Food for thought....

 

[MrDuma]

Just use Linux and all your nasty virus problems will be long gone!

 

[theevilsharpie]

Just use Linux and all your nasty virus problems will be long gone!

Lulz.

 

[gmaster456]

Just use Linux and all your nasty virus problems will be long gone!

While as great as linux is, there is no way in hell I would switch to it if I was already running Server 2008 R2.

To the OP. As long as all of your clients have a reliable AV, I don't see the need for one on a server that primarily serves files.

 

[KirklandBrand]

OP try out a proper security gateway and don't bog down the server with AV!!

 

[Madwand1]

Microsoft's works on 2008 R2 and is free for home usage.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/products/security-essentials

 

[dclive]

Microsoft's works on 2008 R2 and is free for home usage.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/products/security-essentials

Seconded. Running a Windows box without AV is asking for trouble. Just put it on there and forget about it. The performance drain should be very minimal with a CPU made in the last decade.

"Soft in the middle" (i.e. not protecting your server from viruses) assumes many, many things - that you'll never have an unprotected client go onto your network, that your server will never be attacked from elsewhere, that AV clients will work perfectly.... it's foolish!