[LUG] some questions

["raven" <raven at corvid.freeserve.co.uk>]

Ok. I'm not even a Linux newbie, I'm still using win98, but I am very interested in the idea of a stable operating system, one crash too many has convinced me of the need for something better.

 

I have a few questions about linux which aren't in any of the faqs or how-to sites I've found and I'm hoping you will be able to answer them. Though I'd appreciate it if you would keep the answers in plain English, as to be honest I dont understand 90% of what is written to this list, but I'm not very technical.

 

I've seen claims that linux is safe from viruses and also warnings about a worm doing the rounds, what is the situation on this, just how secure is linux?
Is it safe, or safer, from hacking or other attacks? I know that it is similar to Unix which can be vunerable to such attacks.
I saw a reference somewhere, (sorry, don't remember where), about a completeley encrypted file system, giving security even if physical access to the computer is gained. Is this possible with linux?
What are the options for secure email, (or browsing, IRC or other net activities come to that)?

 

I know that these questions probably makes me seem a bit paranoid as there all about security, but it's just that I haven't been able to find the answers to them elsewhere.
Though to be honest I am a bit paranoid, well just concerned about civil liberties and privacy.

 

One last question, will it be possible to see a linux machine in operation at the linux day event at Exeter uni?
I'll try to attend to find out more.

raven at corvid.freeserve.co.uk