I'm planning to build my first gaming PC and want to use Linux because I don't want to upgrade to Windows 11. I've used Windows my whole life and have never used Linux before, but I was considering Arch. The family computer has Bitdefender installed because my dad tends to click questionable advertisements and links. Would I need antivirus on my own Linux gaming PC, and is Arch a sensible place to start?
3 Answers
Most desktop Linux users don’t run antivirus. The bigger security habits are keeping the system updated, using a separate non-administrator account when appropriate, avoiding random downloads, and being careful with third-party software. ClamAV is available if you want to scan files manually, especially if you download files that might later be shared with Windows computers.
I wouldn’t recommend Arch as your first Linux installation unless you’re ready to read a lot and troubleshoot things yourself. A beginner-friendly gaming-focused option such as Bazzite will give you more of the expected functionality out of the box and is harder to accidentally break. You can always try Arch later once you’re comfortable with Linux.
Linux malware exists, but antivirus usually isn’t necessary for a normal gaming setup if you install software from trusted sources and keep the system patched. Avoid blindly running commands from guides, be cautious with the AUR and unofficial repositories, and don’t install programs just because a pop-up tells you to. If you want extra reassurance, ClamAV can perform periodic scans, but it isn’t a substitute for safe browsing and software habits.
I’ve only ever used Windows, so I’m definitely starting from scratch. I’ll look into Bazzite and other easier options before committing to Arch.