[Sheflug] The virus question again?

["J Simpson V21" <hubblesimpson [at] xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi

I've finally got an external modem working on my machine I am about to
change over to Linux.  I have my emails exported and working documents
waiting for use.

I just really have to understand the virus thing, before I can go on.

Okay, if there was a virus sent to my machine by disk or over the internet.
It would not beable to attack my machine's systems because I'm logged in as
me and not root Super user?  So would a virus come to me online and wait
somewhere until I logged in as root and then get my machine?

If my machine can't be attacked as above, when I'm online can others hack
into my machine and look at all my personal information? So when I am using
sites with passwords I would continue to look for the padlock before giving
information?

At present in Windows I have Norton Internet Security, with its security,
personal firewall and Norton Antivirus.  The only bit I don't have turned on
is the parental controls.  I know I'm supposed to have it and I am not fully
clear what it all does.

I've done a little bit of reading online.  I have noticed there are some
companies out there selling antivirus software for Linux.  I really would
like to understand this before, I have to clear up the mess of been
attacked.

So your thoughts will be gratefully received.  Or if you can point me in the
direction of some useful online reading?

Regards

Janet


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