Would a pc virus copy with files? (Read details)

Yes—to the computer a virus is just another bunch of bits.

Yes since the dawn of viruses. And depending on the file and lack of any protection on the host system – “auto-execute” and infect the system. Not really on auto – the OS reads certain files looking for “tags”. This function is easily hijacked, so just browsing the folder with an infected file can be enough.

As per @ratboy – what activates the virus is what is important. And that’s the OS – or a badly designed one (in terms of security: Windows).

Too bad

You can run an antivirus on unix/another OS and scan the files though – have you considered that?

While you are in Linux, try ClamAV. That ought to do the trick :)

Sure will!