Is there some reason why a modem using NAT and a router with other anti hacking measures built in is worse than a Linux PC as a front end for net access?
Probably not for your purposes. The NAT really makes it tough for the hackers to get in. But the virus and spam still get through because you inadvertently drag them in from your PC desktop.
Linux contains an unbeliveable amount of functionality for network stuff. More than any other network appliance I've come across. I use it to do traffic shaping, terminate VPN's, scan e-mail for spam and virii, log net usage etc etc. And in this scenario the cost is defintely 10 times cheaper as equivelent appliances from cisco costs thousands.
Linux is not immune to worms etc either but much less likely because it's a better architecture than 'doze. If you run tripwire it keeps a signature of the disk, any changes and alarms start ringing.
Your cisco router is pretty un-hackable (never say never though).
As for application software for the linux desktop, there's bucket loads now, used to be a bit light on in the past, but the major problem always comes down to data exchange with proprietry systems. If all this e-mail does is encourage others to push for public data standards then that's a win. Then if sheeple want to keep using windoze that's fine, just so long as I don't have to, consumer choice now there's a concept.
P.
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