Please don't try it on me!
Too late! I've added some interesting things to your collection of files but I'm not going to say where, of course!
If they can, how would the many convictions stand up where people have been convicted of possessing illegal downloaded images? (Not that I have any, but it is worrying if an innocent person can be framed in such a way).
There is such a thing as a 'zombie' computer which is used by a remote user without the owner's consent (or knowledge) but these computers are usually very heavily compromised and probably have very lacking security. And yes, these computers are used to transfer illegal content and in some countries, the law might hold the owner accountable rather than the offender since the offender is very hard to trace in most cases.
What you need to make sure of is the following;
1. That you have a hardware firewall which is ENABLED. (Your Internet Service Provider modem may act as a router and a firewall)
2. That you have a software firewall (If you have a hardware firewall, you can use the XP/Vista firewall)
3. That you have an up-to-date virus scanner
4. That you have an up-to-date spyware scanner
5. That you use Firefox rather than Internet Explorer.
If you take these points into account and keep your installation of Windows up-to-date with automatic updates.
Never open attachments from people you do not trust (Or people you trust unless you -asked- for the attachment)
Never use dictionary-word passwords.
If you need software for any of the above points, google for these programs;
AVG Free (Anti-virus/spyware)
Adaware SE (Anti-spyware)
Mozilla Firefox (Browser)
ZoneAlarm (software firewall)
A hardware firewall can only be obtained through purchasing a router although your modem might come with one. Check the documentation or ask your ISP.