Someone may have already mentioned this (i hope not), but the Windows XP "built-in firewall" has quite a large problem. It turns out that it is only a one-way firewall, meaning it blocks only incoming (i think) traffic and not outgoing. (Or perhaps it's vice versa.) Therefore, no one can remote access your WinXP box from the outside (unless you allow them to), but if there is already a remote access trojan on you PC, nothing stops it from doing its thing. Spyware isn't stopped either, which is a big concern for frequent downloaders.

[glowpurple]TechnologyBudda[/glowpurple]
Person:He's meditating. He must be very wise.
TechBudda:(thought:a huge bowl of vanilla ice cream...)
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Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large numbers.