>>If they have their own subnet (oerhaps even isolatiung from each other) that should add more security. But I think having a virtual PC running linux should even lower infection risk from casual browsing via browser leaks (currently a MBR virus infecting XP is again on the loose, and a browser seems to be one of the infection vectors). If they download a Winprogam which is infected, they still hose only their own PC after starting it - for data exchange USB sticks are good and fast enough. Having images of the basic config allows easy "repair". But wireless: WEP is cracked easily and even WPA I consider not secure. How to blame your kids if there is a slight possibility for foreign cracker access ?
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>I am not blaming the girls. All the angles of PC and network security give me a headache, and I'm in the business.
>This whole experience is going to have me constantly looking over my shoulder for some time to come. What a PITA.

Did not mean it that way, but surely can be interpreted this way<g>. IMHO teaching safe computing habits should include demonstrating basic common sense (which points to non-windows browsers in VM after firefox being vulnerable to OS URL interpretation on windoze) *and* the ability to hose your own machine without compromising the money earning parts of the homenet. The "blame" part was meant after such an occasion.