I can't help but notice a lot of people posting here...asking for support...and listing their PC specs...
What stands out a lot in some of the threads and posts I see are people who don't maintain their Windows operating systems by downloading the lates high-priority updates from Windows Update. Either they're not aware they're supposed to...or they think it will damage their current configuration.
I got news for you...if you don't maintain your operating system...you're just asking for trouble.
Some things to keep in mind:
1) Turn on Automatic Updates and install them when they become available...or just visit the site:
http://www.update.microsoft.com/microsoftupdate/v6/default.aspx?ln=en-us2) Do you have any Microsoft Office software installed? Well it needs to be updated, too:
http://office.microsoft.com/search/redir.aspx?AssetID=ES790020331033&Origin=HH101730061033&CTT=53) Install and maintain a trusted antivirus and spyware program. There are a lot of them out there...
4) Install and maintain a trusted firewall program.
Four simple steps that can prevent a lot of headaches.
Additionally...don't forget to run regular maintenace on your computer...
1) Disk Cleanup
2) Defrag
3) Full-system scans for viruses, spyware, adware and other malware.
Stay away from P2P (Peer-to-Peer)...don't be a Forest Gump...cause you'll never know what you're going to get.
That's pretty much it...and it's some good advice...
Now it's up to you whether or not you want to use it or not...