Very important, make sure to update windows. You need to do this because if not programs can be automatically installed on your computer. The latest updates did away with that from what I remember. And yes Spybot is a FREE program, as someone said before goto www.download.com and type in spybot in the search. Download.com is good for alot of free software. Another thing you can download is Zone Alarm. The basic version is free and works great as a personal firewall.. nothing will access your computer or the internet unless you let it.. Also get an updated virus scanner or at least update your definitions... there are SO MANY viruses going around right now its sick, and some even install themselves on your computer.. dont need to download a thing. Spend the $20 at best buy or comp usa or whatever.. its worth it. I just had to do a major overhaul to my computer because I let all these things go.. so had lots of info to share :P

All this stuff will take you an hour to get accomplished and it will be worth it! trust me!