Git Config Question

Hi

We are using git with a centralized repo. Some of the developers are
on windows, some are on linux. The build system (ant & ruby scripts
are used for build) runs on linux. The server on which the software
product is deployed runs on linux. We see a frequent problem:
1. Person X clones a repo.
So far all is good.
2. Person Y checks in code (commit & push). Checks in file a, b.
3. Person X does a 'git pull origin master'. Pull succeeds - however
'git status' shows file a, b as modified even though person X has done
nothing with these files. 'git checkout' does not work. Files keep
getting showed as modified. If person X wants to commit any changes -
he is forced to commit file a & b.

This happens only sometimes - but it is frequent. It is not specific to whether Person Y was on linux or windows. Would having the right configs solve this problem? Any guidelines on what config we should use?

Someone has recommended we all use core.safecrlf=false core.autocrlf=false But this would require running dos2unix cmd while running scripts on linux which seems like an overhead.

Are these the only two configs that are important?

Any help is appreciated....

-Shilpa