[snooker]

I agree with the virus. If you get one, it's a biatch to get rid of and causes many days of angst. I have virus scanners on each windows box. But I try and enforce a 'boot to Linux' when browsing or reading email.

I think the individual firewall gets in the way for home use, if you run a virus scanner on every action, and keep the virus databases up to date, that seems to do the trick.

For me, running Linux is the best way. I can lock down the user space and let the user do what they want.

Many ways to handle security, but ultimately the user is responsible for what happens.

BTW did you see the servey that said most of the spam is caused by 'zombie pcs'? A little security goes a long way.

[steplock]

That is also a good side benefit of Zone Alarm --- if you do get a virus (usually through a CD or disk) it prevents the damned thing from getting out .... unless you tell ZA "yes".

As far as linux based servers, I am currently working on setting up a Net-Integrator Nit-Ix (linux based) server.

I'm running a trial version right now - and it is phenomenal! setup was a breeze and operation speed makes RedHat look like win2k ;>)