I'm not knocking your choice, but I'm a little surprised by it. Was the problem of the failed Win 7 update not worth solving? Did you consider a dual-boot instead of the emulator (which I assume is WINE)? KDE is the graphic desktop environment (as opposed to GNOME or other options). We still don't know which distro you are using. I've used ClamAV but can't say of my own knowledge if its useful or not. Its never found anything noteworthy but I wouldn't expect it to since I make every effort to avoid virus-malware problems. It is slow and reviews I have read on it were mediocre at best. I tried Avast for Linux for a few weeks but then uninstalled it. After a few scans it failed to update and I decided not to bother with it. I think it may have had a conflict with Ubuntu, but not sure of that. I suppose I would try it again if there was a need to.

"Multi-platform attacks are rare, but they represent a considerable evolution to be considered. Multi-platform malware represents a great evolution for cyber crime because they provide the opportunity for an attacker to infect a greater number of machines. The mechanism is simple: Using a JAR, the malware is able to identify the OS and then download the right files to infect the targeted machine. After identifying the type of operating system a unit is running, a Java class file will download the appropriate malware, with the purpose to open a backdoor to allow remote access to the machine. This isn't the first multi-platform malware detected. In 2010 for example the Boonana malware was detected which also used a malicious Java applet to spread itself. Malware of this type will increase in number in coming months, and no platform is immune, so it is desirable that internet users are aware of the threat and take appropriate precautions. A backdoor trojan differs from a trojan in that it also opens a backdoor to your system. They're also sometimes call Remote Access Trojans (RAT). These are the most widespread and also the most dangerous type of trojan. They are so dangerous because the have the potential to allow remote adminstration of your system. As if a hacker were sitting at your keyboard, only worse. There's almost no limit to what they can do. Some common uses: 1 Use your system and Internet connection to send spam (yes, the majority of spam is now generated by infected systems). 2 Steal your online and offline passwords, credit card numbers, address, phone number, and other information stored on your computer that could be used for identity theft, or other financial fraud. 3 Log your activity, read email, view and download contents of documents, pictures, videos and other private data. 4 Use your computer and Internet connection, in conjunction with others to launch Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks. Modify system files, disable antivirus, delete files, change system settings, to cover tracks, or just to wreak havoc. Backdoor:W32/GetShell.A is the Windows-specific payload of Trojan-Downloader:Java/GetShell.A, a malicious Java applet that detects your OS and installs an appropriate type of backdoor Trojan. Backdoor:W32/GetShell.A is responsible for the same dangers that are common to most backdoor Trojans, including opening up your PC to unwanted control by third parties, disabling or reducing your computers security features and, potentially, downloading additional PC threats or stealing private information. Keep your Computer up dated, practice safe surfing habits as always.. Joe

I also did not want to mess too much with my windows so when I boot my machine I immediately hit the Esc key which takes me to the boot order screen and there I select the one I want to boot too, if I don't do that it will default to windows and boot right up to windows. So I only have to access that menu if I am booting into the linux drive. May be weird to some but it works fine for me just one little extra step to take in the bootup for linux. When I select the drive with linux then it begins that boot process, says loading grub and then up comes my Mepis. My linux guru was here visiting last year and that is when we tackled installing the new hard drive, I was glad he was here! I am not very good at that kind of stuff so he handled most of the process. for those considering linux you might check your area to see if there are any Linux user groups or LUGs around that is an excellent way to meet linux users and get hands on help. You can look them up online using google. Mint is a good choice for new users, not sure if openSUSE would be. if you go to distro watch they list all the flavors and you can click on each and get some info on them. I also love the coding studio site, you can click on each distro and see it in pictures, they have changed the site and it is not as good as it used to be but still ok. The Coding Studio OS Screenshots Here is a link that might be useful: distrowatch

You are in the right place Debian is the overall best bet for a server that is what I have been running now for over 7 years and it never burps unless there is a power outage.