I haven't been using Linux long, but it seems to me that if Wine allows your Linux OS to operate Windows software, then wouldn't it also run Windows viruses? If so, then:

1. What kind of damage could a Windows virus, running in Wine, do to the Linux filesystem?
2. Would an anti-virus for Windows function the same way in Wine as it would in Windows, and protect me from Windows viruses?
3. Would disabling Wine when not in use, also disable the virus until Wine starts up again?
4. Is there some better way to protect myself from Windows viruses, other than uninstall Wine?

Thanks for any information

Why don't you install a Linux firewall? Iptables is already installed, just install a frontend like firestarter or something. Windows viruses can't do anything to your filesystem, its not the same thing. And as far as I know, you would have to purposely install a virus in wine to do anything. I'm not even sure it would do anything.

There was an article about it. They tried intentionally to run Windows viruses using Wine. Wast majority of viruses did nothing, a few of them were able to crash Wine. Google for Wine and virus. Maybe you'll find that article. It was fun to read.

Lol. Crash wine? Must be a better emulator than they thought!