Protagoras <protagoras@miworld.net> writes:

>How vulnerable is Linux to spyware, malware, trojans, etc. compared to
>MS-Windows? I am a novice linux user, I guess my main concern, not knowing

Much less, not least because it is Windows that most target.

>too much about linux security or vulnerability, is can trojan/malware get
>into my system when I download rpm or tarball open source applications, and
>if so how to prevent that?

Get them from reliable sources.

Far greater danger is not keeping up to date on the security updates. at
least once a week make sure you install the security updates published by
your distribution.


>I got quite a wake-up call recently when someone used my credit card,
>obviously such info stolen from some online transaction, because they had
>the 3 digit security code, my phone number, name, etc. I have since turned
>off cookies, etc. But I want to learn more, harden my system, get wise
>regarding computer insecurity, lack of privacy while browsing, etc.