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If you are using a home router to share your internet connection, you are likely already benefiting from a "hardware" firewall that is even more bulletproof. Many go ahead and run Zonealarm on top of a router firewall, although I don't personally. Log into your router through a web browser (read your router manual for instructions) and confirm that your firewall is active.
Get rid of spyware, scumware, and malware
There are two programs that you should run together to get rid of the aforementioned unwelcome additions to your computer. They are SpyBot (http://www.safer-networking.org/en/index.html) and Ad-Aware (http://www.lavasoftusa.com). Both are free (Ad-Aware's personal version is the freebie), and both will systematically scan your system to look for the uninvited programs, cookies, and registry entries that cause you problems like pornographic (and otherwise) popups, stalled processors, and spontaneous system crashes and reboots. SpyBot comes with TeaTimer, a live registry guard that will notify you of essential changes in your registry. You'll have to specify during install that you want to use it. It's a good rule of thumb to deny ALL registry changes TeaTimer warns you about UNLESS you are in the process of installing software. Run both anti-spyware programs regularly and in succession, updating each one with the latest definitions first (you will be prompted to do so).
Keep your system updated
Windows security holes breed faster than Star Trek's tribbles, and you, the computer owner, MUST be diligent about keeping your system patched. It's easy for us broadband users, but you dialup folks may have to leave your system connected all night to download service packs. Whatever. JUST DO IT! Your personal info is at risk if you don't. Updating my system is the only time I use Internet Explorer, because you can select Tools/Windows Update to connect directly to the update site and have your system scanned for necessary patches, which can then be easily downloaded. The automated process only works with IE. XP service pack 2 installs automatic updating that will download patches and install them on its own. That's a good idea, although you should still do periodic IE Windows Update connections to make sure it's doing its job.
 Don't let your kids install anything without your permission
If you set them up with their own XP user accounts (NOT administrators!), then they will not be able to install much of anything on their own. There are lots of neat things out there like talking desktop gorillas, fancy cursors, and search engine add-ons that are nothing but packages of spyware, ready to bombard you with unwelcome ads, track your surfing, and even log your keystrokes! The genuine Google search bar is a great tool. I would be VERY leery of any others. At any rate, make certain that your kids ONLY install software WITH YOUR PERMISSION.
Be careful with Instant Messaging
IM is fun, but it can also be a system security hole. Make sure your IM client is the latest version, whether you're using ICQ, Jabber, AOL Instant Messager, or any others.
Those are some good, basic security tips. Let's move on to some warning signs, and how a parent should react.
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