just a little heads up for Microsoft Window users
download the new Service Pack 2. its very important, and comes with a firewall.
i had been looking for a firewall to add, but most of them wouldnt allow to do anything, and it was hard to figure out. Windows firewall is simple to use.

it took me 45 minutes to d/l and i use dsl. so i might take a while, but i think it is important.

Microsoft page
click, go under resources, click on downloads
click on "Let Windows Update Scan Your Computer and Recommend Updates"
then click on all the services you want microsoft to update, make sure Service Pack 2 is chosen

 

Win xp has a built in firewall. I think they just made some enhancements to it in sp2.

 

The made it "application dependant" instead of the "just block everything" mentality.

If you haven't got it yet, I suggest doing so. It helps reduce spyware infections by 80%!

 

They added a popup blocker to IE also that works pretty good.

you should probably buy a router instead of relying on Windows firewall. Or get zone alarm or tiny firewall.

 

The new Windows firewall is similiar to Zone Alarm etc. However, if you have DSL hopefully you have a broadband router of some sort, which makes the windows firewall almost downright useless. Its more for the dial-up users.

But, SP2 is fairly nice, but just be aware it could disable some functionaility of other programs. MS documents the changes pretty well, so you can read up on it first.