Yep, I have been using Linux for over 10 years and have yet to get a virus or for that matter "slimeware". Rootkits? Yes, once. Viruses are a minor issue on most PC's, malware/slimware/adware are much more serious issues.
Yeah - like those newer popups that aren't popups. You know, the ones where you pass your mouse over a highlighted word and a popup shows up on your screen. A long discussion with MS brought no solution other than disabling scripting. Which is fine unless it's a site where you need scripting.
BTW, the popups occur in firefox also.