If you have more than 1000 Bitcoins in your wallet:
1. get yourself a low cost netbook.
2. Install not bloated linux (like archlinux) or FreeBSD or OpenBSD (in order of growing paranoia).
- make sure that the above is done with ecrypted partitions and swap (plenty of guides on the net).
- make sure that the above is done while offline as much as possible (for truly paranoid ones).
- make sure that you do not not even configure wireless hardware, let alone using it
- physically plug in Ethernet cable when you need connectivity for a minute or so
3. Install bitcoin client, generate a bunch of bitcoin addresses (current account)
4. Over time transfer in small amounts your funds from your existing client to the addresses created in step 3
5. Keep this used exclusively as bitcoin client and nothing else, plug in Ethernet cable when you need to transfer money.
6. Keep this hardware wallet safe.
7. Creating a bitcoin savings account and making secure backups is still need to be done as described in multiply guides elsewhere.
P.S. Do not forget your passwords.
This is a very good idea!
Basically, Linux is not secured more than M$ -Windows and surely not immune to trojans and viruses but the fact is that malware (Trojans / Viruses / Spyware etc) developers put all their efforts on Windows make Linux systems a bit safer.
Your idea is good. Note that old PC or old laptop (cost less than $100) can run special Linux distros such as Lubuntu or Damn Small Linux (DSL) with beautiful graphics.
Just search "Lightweight Linux".
I agree, very cool idea! I've never had near enough bitcoins to need to secure anything, but it's good to be thinking about this sort of thing as I get more into it.