2nd "safe" PC used offline or dual boot?

[f4phantom2500]

So my parents are running a fairly old machine, P4 2GHz with 1GB RAM, and asked me to build them a new computer with spare parts I have. So I'm throwing together a rig with an A64 X2 3600 (Brisbane) and 2GB DDR2, also putting in a 7900GS so my mom can play some decently new games at decent settings...anyways...

She wants me to set up their old computer for offline use so that she can keep all of her financial information safe. However, I was thinking that, if I set it up to dual boot Windows 7 and Ubuntu, if she keeps all of her pertinent data on her Ubuntu install, that that should be secure enough. Further, I have a 400GB external drive lying around, so I was thinking that if I set it up for exe3 (or whatever file extension that isn't recognizable by Windows), not only would the pertinent data be removable, but even if it were connected to the computer while Windows was loaded, it should be just as safe as if it weren't plugged in at all. Is there something I'm overlooking? Is this option just as safe as having an offline computer?

 

[Chiefcrowe]

I wouldn't say it's just as safe, unless this ubuntu machine has no internet access, but it definitely is a safer option than keeping everything on 1 OS.

 

[f4phantom2500]

I wouldn't say it's just as safe, unless this ubuntu machine has no internet access, but it definitely is a safer option than keeping everything on 1 OS.

Well that's just it; because of the purpose of the Ubuntu install, I could just disable the network connection. My mom feels a bit uneasy about it though, because the ethernet cable would still be physically plugged in, and because it's on the same computer as the Windows install; she fears that someone could access the information off of the Ubuntu install over the internet through Windows whenever Windows is online.

 

[AFurryReptile]

Well that's just it; because of the purpose of the Ubuntu install, I could just disable the network connection. My mom feels a bit uneasy about it though, because the ethernet cable would still be physically plugged in, and because it's on the same computer as the Windows install; she fears that someone could access the information off of the Ubuntu install over the internet through Windows whenever Windows is online.

Instead of all of that hassle, why not just encrypt everything? Just have her save everything to a Truecrypt virtual drive; all she would need is a password to access the drive.

http://www.truecrypt.org/

 

[lxskllr]

You could also do it with a virtual machine.

 

[RebateMonger]

They'd probably find two computers with a KVM switch easier to manage and understand. They can keep the financial machine off or hibernated when they don't need it.