Are you running windows?

If so i would really recommend downloading [url=http://www.windowsonecare.com/]Windows One Care Live[/url]. Of course Microsoft is trying to again create a monopoly with this "Spyware, Virus, Update, pack...", but this a great solution for your windows system if you do not already have programs like [url=http://download.mcafee.com/]McAfee[/url] and [url=http://www.symantec.com/home_homeoffice/products/internet_security/nav2006/index.html[/url]Norton[/url]. If you already have one of these Anti-Virus programs i would NOT recommend uninstalling it. Pay the simple monthly fee! It will be well worth protecting your computer from Viruses, Trojans, Worms, Rootkits, and ***7 H4X0R5!

How can i keep my computer as clean as possible?
*. Always have a program like Mcafee or Norton running and updated. AVG is ok but i have run into many problems with it.

2. Always scan downloaded files before opening them! ESPECIALLY ON P2P NETWORKS! It takes about 2 seconds to scan, and is well worth the time.

2. Disable or set to 'Prompt' active scripting in your web browser. If you are not sure how to do this for your current web browser, ask google or gizoogle(funner results). They know all.

*. Download the google toolbar to block popups and active x controls.

4. Download these spyware programs and run them once or twice a week to make sure a bug didnt slip onto your computer:
[url=http://www.safer-networking.org/]Spybot Search and Destroy[/url]
[url=www.lavasoft.de/software/adaware/]Ad-Aware[/url]
[url=http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx]Windows Defender[/url]

5. Not a MUST, but always good to know what connections are comming in and out of your computer right? I would highly recommend buying [url=www.tamos.com/products/commview/]Common View[/url]. This is a sure way of knowing if you have viruses or spyware.

I think i have covered the basic ways to keep your home computer connected. Feel free to fill in any gaps that i left out.