If you are gonna be searching the internet, in chat rooms, playing games, or virtually anything online you need a firewall.
Quick Definition Of A Firewall:
A firewall protects your network from unwanted Internet traffic. The primary functions of a firewall are to let good traffic pass through while ‘bad’ traffic gets blocked. The most important part of a firewall is its access control features that distinguish between good and bad traffic.
I found this progam that is wonderful. It's free to try, plus the license if you decide to buy is only $19.95 which is great.
Zone Alarm 5.0 with Anti-Virus
http://download.com.com/3000-2092-10291 ... ag=lst-0-4
Works on Win 98/ME/2000/XP
15 Day Trial Period
$19.95 for purchase license
Trust me you need a firewall. If you do not have one, just get this free trail and bounce between some free ones til you have the money to get one.