Dual Boot

I found two other threads where I wanted to ask this but didn't want to hijack, so I'll ask here.

For awhile I've been using Ubuntu on a truly decrepit old Dell with a nice new keyboard and monitor. At times I would go back to my old iMac (stock keyboard and monitor---ugh!) but for all intents and purposes I have used Ubuntu exclusively for about three years.
A couple months ago I upgraded to a newer (still old!) machine with a fresh installation of Windows 7. I have never used Windows and really wasn't that interested in it so I partitioned the HD and installed Ubuntu 12.04. Everything went along well, I had my new computer, I had the latest version of my OS and life was good.

Most recently I decided to plug my computer into my TV. Since both the TV and the computer are a few years old there is no simple direct connection between the two. The solution that I settled on is the Sewell HDdeck. Unfortunately to use it I have to boot into Windows. If not for this I would have no reason to use the Windows half of the machine at all. I don't hate Windows I'm just happy where I am.
Now, finally, for my questions.
If one OS is attacked and corrupted will the other OS be corrupted also?
If one OS is badly corrupted can/will the other OS still be good as new?
Can any of the hardware be compromised or is it strictly the OS that is subject to attack?

Thanx
George Was that too much beer?

mattoleriver wrote:I found two other threads where I wanted to ask this but didn't want to hijack, so I'll ask here.

For awhile I've been using Ubuntu on a truly decrepit old Dell with a nice new keyboard and monitor. At times I would go back to my old iMac (stock keyboard and monitor---ugh!) but for all intents and purposes I have used Ubuntu exclusively for about three years.
A couple months ago I upgraded to a newer (still old!) machine with a fresh installation of Windows 7. I have never used Windows and really wasn't that interested in it so I partitioned the HD and installed Ubuntu 12.04. Everything went along well, I had my new computer, I had the latest version of my OS and life was good.

Most recently I decided to plug my computer into my TV. Since both the TV and the computer are a few years old there is no simple direct connection between the two. The solution that I settled on is the Sewell HDdeck. Unfortunately to use it I have to boot into Windows. If not for this I would have no reason to use the Windows half of the machine at all. I don't hate Windows I'm just happy where I am.
Now, finally, for my questions.
If one OS is attacked and corrupted will the other OS be corrupted also?
If one OS is badly corrupted can/will the other OS still be good as new?
Can any of the hardware be compromised or is it strictly the OS that is subject to attack?

Thanx
George Was that too much beer?

Yes, that was way too much beer.

I think it would depend on which files were corrupted. There could be some registry files and/or boot type files that both OS's use. I haven't heard of any virus's that harm hardware other than the software that runs it.

I am sure Helperguy or Zed can give a more detailed answer.

I doubt if the hardware can be messed with. Maybe someday one could maybe
reprogram a DSP chip but considering I have never programmed one I don't know
for sure. Usually BIOS chips are protected unless permission to reflash. I would
say no for hardware at this time.

Z

No to the hardware
Possibly to the cross OS corruption but unlikely.

Hope that helps.