Comment Re:Weigh your options (Score 1) 314
I agree whole heartedly. The security curve is an asymptotic one. You'll never reach secure. The biggest security risk in any system (computer system or non-computer system) is the person sitting at the desk. This is why secretive government agencies like the US DoD don't let anyone use a DoD computer until they've background checked and taken the requisite training classes.
This is Slashdot. Naturally, there will be amazing advice about elite encryption and protecting your most secretive plans from government spooks. Government? Really? Frankly, I'm more worried about the data that Visa and MasterCard have about me than the government stealing pictures of my kids marching band contests.
The original poster asked valid questions about reasonable outside threats - Malware. I'm a fan of free (as in beer) scanners that detect known threats disguised in innocent looking payloads. That adorable icon that Aunt Betty says is adorable could be an installer for a malware program. Also, subscribe to CERT bulletins or a similar organization that publishes information about emerging threats and vulnerability.