I am gathering information on Linux as a hobbyist. I am interested in having a Linux webserver on my home cable (Road Runner) internet connection using a dynamic ip address.

I have two windows boxes connected to a Linksys BEFSR41router. It is a windows workgroup configuration, not a domain network. Each is running the Windows firewall. If I add a Linux webserver to the workgroup, would I put the Windows computers at increased risk of damage from of some sort of malicious behavior coming at me from the internet? I am concerned about theft or corruption of files, viruses, trojans, spying, etc.


Thanks in advance.

rreiss

Assuming you properly configured your security settings on the linux machine then there is no threat.
A properly hardened linux box is usually far more secure than a windows machine.
But if you're sloppy with your security settings then yes the linux machine could be a risk, but no more risk than an improperly configured windows machine.