virtualbox.org

Hello


I am using VirtualBox 4.0.2 on a Linux Host, and will be loading a windows xp guest. My question is, since the windows guest will not have any network adapters configured, nor be configured for internet use, and the only files it will see is ones i introduce via a usb flash drive, or a shared folder on the linux host, and also i will scan these files with clamav before hand, is there any need to load an antivirus on the windows guest?. I believe it wont be necessary since the windows guest will only be used for updating an ipod, and blackberry.

Thanks

No, the guest does not need antivirus. A bigger question is whether the host needs it.

@mpack the host has it: clamav

LemonScrub wrote:scan these files with clamav before hand,

Umm, I didn't ask if the host has it.

No the host doesn't really need clamav, it is there to scan any windows executables before it is introduced to the windows guest.

Since your guest is not going to be accessing the Internet, and the host AV scans all the files you put on the guest, I think you're set.

One other thing I do when I want to have a Windows target-for-all-the-viruses-ever-written guest with no AV installed, I block the guest's access to the Internet in my router. It can take note of the guest's mac adress and allow local network access but no internet. Maybe your router does so, too. Additional layer of protection...