Is there a FREE way to run something like VMware?

yep, done

 

So:
Get the full screen ?

 

Yep I ran the linux script off the VBoxGuestAdditions.iso and now Ubuntu runs in full screen

Now that I can run Ubuntu as a guest while Vista the host is running, can any nasties from Vista infect Ubuntu? The reason I ask is because I want to now use Ubuntu for my credit card website and netbanking etc.

 

Hello,
No they can't, simply put ...
But that doesn't mean you should throw caution to the wind.
Mrk

 

So I guess the only 1 thing that can be passed on from Vista as host to the Ubuntu guest is if a person is infected with a keylogger, then whatever is typed into Ubuntu will be picked up by the keylogger that has infected the host - Windows. Right?

 

Right. Vista sees everything that the guest sees from the input side.

Just a reminder, running a "Secure" OS on a "Insecure" OS (I'm not citing either is one or the other, just assuming that is how you are thinking of it) is like driving with a seatbelt on in a car that is missing all the other safety features. Sure you won't slam into the steering column, but your sure gonna get whiplash, and pummeled by all the flying metal and glass.

Your only as secure as the least secure part of your entire system.

Is there any particular reason that your not trusting Vista to do your banking/buying?

 

I have checked my Vista using online scanners by eset, kaspersky and checked it using Dr.Web, spybot search & destroy and my Vista is clean.

So I am now confident I can run Ubuntu in a vbox securely.

I rather use Ubuntu for netbanking due to its more secure against rootkits, spyware, keyloggers etc. And seeing my Vista has been reported as clean of keyloggers etc, I assume doing netbanking in Ubuntu is secure too.

I just feel better running Ubuntu to do netbanking, that's all.