1. As an exclusive Mac user, if I trust the files that I'm putting on my MSS, do I even need to worry about anti-virus on the server itself? (for example, can Windows viruses that I might somehow pick up just sit on my Mac waiting and then jump to the server?)

2. Would it be possible for my roommates to accidentally infect the server even if I've only given them read-only access?

Thanks in advance for any responses.

In general. WHS is a server. You should not be using any server as a "desktop", surfing the web on it, writing emails, or other daily tasks on any "server". Also, many people use the WHS with torrent and Usenet apps on them downloading crap from the Internet (many times pirated files). that's a great way to pick up a virus on a server.

As long as you are not in that group above and you don't install antivirus on the server. You "could be OK" if your clients are all running anti virus/ anti malware. If you are in that group above, install AV now!

if the windoze PC's are read only and the users have no administrative rights. for most viruses, again you should be ok.

Personally, I would still recommend running AV on any server. that's where you keep your files, I assume you have them there because you wish to "keep them". antivirus is an added step to help ensure "that you keep them"

Personally I run antivirus on my all my servers and all my clients (except my mac and yes macs can get viruses).

In the past i have gotten client viruses that killed my client antivirus and the servers would not let me copy infected files to the server. That was because i had anti virus installed on the servers. There are few very few worm type viruses these days that travel across your network. but they do exist and several rely on you doing something stupid like running an app that installs a root backdoor.

one thing antivirus on the server WONT stop; If you have mapped drives to the server with write access and you get malicious software that deletes all files off all drives. those files on the server will be erased also. That is one reason i do not map drive letters to server shares that are not backed up. Duplication wont help there either.

_________________
Servers:4x MSI 6676-003BUS
2x CHENBRO E8600 4Gig 1x2.5 4x1.5TB
1x CHENBRO MBD-X7SPA-HF-O 4Gig 1x2.5 4x2TB
1X Shuttle Q9550 4gig
1x i7-960 16gig
1x Norco 4220 E6550 2gig Areca w/16x2TB
1x SUPERMICRO MBD-X7SPA-HF-O 4Gig 1x1.5TB 5x2TB
Clients:11 PC 1 Mac