Dual boot security

[maxximilian]

Hiya

I am enjoying the security of running Ubuntu using Opera browser. Not many bugs out there to get me with this configuration. However, I have just bought a new hard drive (this one failing) and plan to put both Ubuntu and XP on there. I essentially plan to use the Ubuntu boot to do most of my web surfing....and really only boot into XP when I need to use some XP-only programs I like. My question is....is the XP install safe from any infection or tampering while I am booted into Ubuntu and roaming the net? For example....lets say I visit a malware-infected website using my Ubuntu and Opera, which are immune to a particular bug there. Can the bug still come aboard and find my XP install if the malware is a windows bug?

Hope this is isn't a dumb question....but never dual-booted before and don't really know how they are seperated.

[SpywareDr]

In order for malware to take advantage of a "Windows bug" would require the buggy Windows program to be running (loaded in memory).

That doesn't mean that Ubuntu malware couldn't destroy your Windows setup though, like with a 'format'-type command.

[maxximilian]

Thanks

[SpywareDr]

No problem.

[Dodge]

Max, the chances of this happening is so very very very slim. I've dual booted since windows 2000 came out and never had one mess with the other (once I figured out how to put on 2 seperate partitions that is.) I did put 98 and 2000 on the same partition when I first set it up and they messed with each other bad.

Anyways, The chance is there, but is so slim that you don't need to worry about it.