Keep your antivirus current and run a free malware check from time to time and you’ll be fine. Watch for unusual disk or network activity - lights on your router (if you have one) when you’re not expecting them. Maybe it’s Microsoft or RedHat updates; maybe it’s some clown using your box to mail porn or do a denial-of-service attack. You’ll get lots of suggestions on this thread, I haven’t a doubt.
Thanks. I did have a trojan the other day (I think that’s the correct term). Luckily I called my son and he walked me thru a cure. It’s only the second thing I’ve ever had in all my years online, but I suspect it was just a matter of time.
Part of the problem is that too much software declares a "right" to go out to the web and report back home or check for updates, etc.
And too much non-threating but nosey java as well.
The fact that people are permitted to put crud on your system, and give it 40 year expiration dates, etc. without your consent is why we are where we are today.
Imagine if ever time you pulled in to get gas, there were people popping your hood to make modifications, putting flyers under your windshield wipers, putting boxes of personal information in your trunk and glove compartment...