Here are 11 steps shown to protect home computer.

Instructions
1. XP guest account is not only utilized to permit guests to login to XP but also to verify PC in networks. Disabling XP guest account is thus only advised if you do not utilize file sharing, printer sharing or Internet connection sharing. Disabling account in User Accounts menu of Control Panel does not stop it but just removes icon from login screen. Users who join to PC in networks still validate as guests. To completely disable Windows XP guest account you want to utilize following command.
Use the command net user guest /active: no to disable guest account.

2. It is vital to have understanding of what a firewall is and what is its use. A firewall is a hardware tool or software application utilized to avoid illegal access either to a network or PC system. It must only permit what you want to permit to for PC to work.
There are many good and helpful firewalls to choose from. At least you must utilize what is given in new versions of Windows. To allow local Windows firewall open control panel and double-click Windows Firewall.
Please make note of "Don't allow exceptions" check box. You must utilize this when using public internet connections. You also must always review exception tab to ensure you are not permitting exceptions for old or strange programs.

3. Anti-virus software does more than just help avoid viruses and delete them. Firstly know about what is virus is. It is program that can copy itself and spread to other PCs. Anti-virus software also can defend users against other programs like adware and spyware. The dissimilarity between these programs and viruses is reproductive ability. Adware and spyware are not reproductive.
You must buy and install anti-virus software. You must scan often. It can be scheduled just before shutdown daily.

4. If you do all these other things to defend PC but then have easy password you are defeating purpose of all other security. You want to have a combination of upper and lower case along with letter and symbols if likely and more characters the better.

5. Windows gives a technique to utilize Automatic updates. Go to Start, Control Panel and then open Security Center. Turn Automatic updates on.
You have many choices on how to apply these updates. Below manage safety settings open Automatic Updates and choose favored choice. Download and apply it but before shutdown daily.

6. Create a list of programs in spreadsheet with web site URL for each so you can check for intermittent updates. Few programs can be organized to inform you of patch updates or to do them mechanically like OS. The other choice is to utilize notifier software.

7. It looks easy but not many people follow this warning. This along with spam filters most email providers have will defend you from most threats concerning email.

8. There must not be any reason to share passwords. If you obtain a message as using some chatting software like AOL or yahoo and few request password, DO NOT give them passwords. They say they are tech support or help desk. You could even obtain a call on phone indicating they are help desk and need your password. Again DO NOT share password with anybody.

9. Many people not at all modify passwords for web mail. How often must one change their passwords? It generally based on system you are accessing. It also based on data that is supplied by that system. If you utilize public machines frequently to access web mail and other applications like online banking, I would change very often like monthly. I would even suggest not changing password from that public machine. I good idea would be to change from home PC which you know has certain safety controls in place. There is no set time period but more often is better than less often.

10. You want to ensure that you get lock on browser. It may be a different place based on browser. If you are necessary to enter any personal data on a web site, DO NOT enter unless web site supports https.

11. There are many ways to encrypt data. XP gives ability to encrypting folders. You should encrypt or decrypt your folders.