Questions about programs under Linux.

[Anna Schneider]

All right, now that I have ordered my computer, and am in limbo until it 
arrives, and have rested my brain for a few days, I have a bunch more 
questions.

First, my understanding is that while Linux comes with some programs under 
it, many other have to be downloaded off the web.  Is this correct?  
Regardless of whether or not this is the case, I am curious about the 
following:


1.  Does any virus protection exist for Linux and if so, what programs 
would people recommend and how can I get them?


2.  I want to get the Emacs editor.  When I read some info on the 
Emacspeak site, it sounded like there are a couple of different Emacs 
packages available depending on what sorts of things I plan to do with 
Emacs.  Do I have to go find the package I want and download it?  And 
then, if I want to fill out my Emacs package even more, with the Dismal 
Spreadsheet for example, do I have to go download it too?

3.  Are there ways to open Word and Excel programs in Linux?

4.  Will I have to be compliling things before I use them and does Linux 
usually come with these complers or do I have to go find them too?

5.  What is the most recent version of Lynx?  Is it considered to be 
equivalent to Internet Explorer 4.0 or better?   This matters quite a bit 
actually.  If I need another web browser in addition to Lynx, do any exist 
for Linux?

6.  And last I hope and this is just a point of clarification, when you 
all talk about telnetting and ftyping and all that, you are doing from 
your machines right?  Do you have to dial in first to do those things from 
your machine or how does that work?


Okay, I think that's everything for now.  Have to go start reading How To 
documentation this weekend.

Anna