Spyware are examples of applications that you do not want running in the background.
windowsupdate.microsoft.com to grab the latest Windows updates. This will help ensure that you are running the latest updates and have the best protection available from your OS .
Remove any existing viruses from your computer by installing good virus scanning and protection software. A very good and free virus package is AVG Anti-Virus.
Get rid of any spyware and adware from your machine by downloading and installing Spybot Search & Destroy.
Use an email client that can help you make smarter decisions regarding attached files. The Geeks recommend using Mozilla's stand-alone email client Thunderbird*.
Use a webbrowser that protects you a bit more then the default Internet Explorer. The Geeks recommend using the Mozilla's stand-alone web browser Firefox*.
application, Mozilla is a combination browser, news reader, html editor and email client. For stand-alone versions, Mozilla offers Thunderbird as an email client and Firefox as a web browser. The stand-alone versions are still in beta, but run very nicely and run very quick.
To download Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) as a complete package, so that you can install it online or offline at your leisure, use the Network Installation Package for IT Professionals and Developers. You can then use this package on non-connected computers or share it with family and friends.