Leo writes:

When you install Windows follow these steps to make sure you don’t get infected by spyware and network worms…

1. If your computer is plugged into a DSL line/Cable modem, physically disconnect the network cable from the computer.
2. Install Windows XP
3. If you’re not using a router to connect to the ‘net, turn on the Windows firewall (Open Network Connections, right click your online connection, click Properties, click the Advanced Tab, then check the Internet Connection Firewall.)
4. Now re-attach any cabling you removed earlier. Get online and run Windows Update then install all Critical Updates. If you have to restart, remember to re-run Windows Update until there are no more critical updates to install. If you’re using a Dialup connection, consider ordering and using the the free Windows XP Service Pack 2 on CD to reduce the download time.
5. Install an anti-virus and update it immediately. (If you don’t have one download the Free AVG.)
6. Install anti-spyware tools, Microsoft Anti-Spyware, AdAware and Spybot S&D. Update all three then turn on the Real Time Protection feature of Micrsoft’s Anti-Spyware program. It’s infitely better not to get spyware in the first place so block it before it installs.
7. Install Spyware Blaster and protect your browsers from hijacking. I strongly recommend against using IE. Use Mozilla or Firefox instead.

Make sure to run Windows Update regularly, or better yet, turn on Automatic Updates by opening the System Control Panel, click the Automatic Updates tab, then check either “Download the updates automatically” or the scheduled updates installer. You should also enable the automatic updates in your anti-virus and keep all the spyware programs up-to-date, as well.