[Ex-Dem]

Ok, Linux isn't the solution to all of life's woes. Educating users is. If he doesn't know to disable things like Java, ActiveX scripting, etc., then he wouldn't know about turning off unnecessary services like ssh that RH/FC install and turn on by default. Window's can be safe as long as you take the proper precautions, and Linux can be just as unsafe if used by an inexperience user.

[ShadowAce]

While that is correct, Linux does not allow adware at this time. The issues you discussed related to security, as opposed to privacy.

[Quinotto]

You are right, Linux isn't the solution to all life's woes but Apple OS X is :D (just kidding). However you fail to take into consideration that a lot of people are not computer savvy and the bastards who write the spyware are counting exactly on such people. Your statement that "Linux can be just as unsafe if used by an inexperienced user" is completely flawed, clearly you never used Linux or Apple's OS X.