Hi, just a few things real quick:

This is in fact the correct forum for an OS question, so thanks much, a lot of people pop it in GCC and whine they don't get a quick answer

Also, just a few quickies, you said you were new to Linux, so congrats on getting Slackware going, and also congrats on making what you were asking clear, and what you did exactly clear to show you've tried something... I'm kind of babbling a little but I haven't seen a GOOD question like this in a while and wanted to say congrats heh.

Anyway, if you're new to Linux in general Slackware should be great, it doesn't do a thing for you by itself, meaning you'll get awesome experience, but at the same time it's stable as a brick.

You might want to look here:

http://store.slackware.com

You can order a book there called "Slackware Essentials" grab the second edition if you have the cash laying around, I have that and the first edition and it's a good book, not to long, and is made for Slackware. Also it has a chapter on some security basics I'd say to check as well.

Also if you don't have the cash laying around, check this out:

http://www.slackbook.org/

Actually anyone new to Linux should at least check it out but it's done for Slackware. So it should give you some pointers. Enjoy.