"Windows.... is a warzone" - OT

[Andrew & Rebeca Anderson]

If you want good security get ZoneAlarm.  A free evaluation copy can be 
downloaded from the net.  It is more secure than the windows firewall 
because it doesn't leave open certain ports for the benefit of the software 
support guys.  You have to teach it at first, but it remembers.  Everything 
you have that tries to reach the net will be shut down and you will have to 
approve its access.  It will remember what you approve and disapprove 
effectively shutting down spyware etc.  The premium version will also scan 
your e-mail.  If you don't want to have problems with email viruses use one 
of the many non MS email programs.  If you don't want problems with 
Explorer use Netscape or one of the other browsers.
My sister-in-law had a constant-on connection and it was a high-speed cable 
connection.  It had become so slow it harked back to the times of 2400 baud 
modems.  A somewhat malicious hacker cousin of her's would pull pranks on 
her computer and use it as a slave to access nasty stuff.  After installing 
ZoneAlarm she had a high speed connection and the cousin can't get into her 
computer anymore.

Andrew