Make sure that Windows XP Service Pack 2 is installed. This service pack increases the security of Microsoft Internet Explorer with pop-up blocking and add-on management.

Configure your browser’s security settings for safer browsing.

Configure your browser’s privacy settings to avoid unwanted cookies and pop-up ads.

Be careful about which Web sites you visit. Sites devoted to illegal or questionable subjects, such as hacker sites, sites for downloading pirated music or software, and pornographic sites are most likely to contain malicious code.

Enable checking of digital signatures on drivers and other programs you download.

Do not conduct financial transactions or send private information over the Web unless the site is secure. A secure site is usually indicated by a dialog box or a “lock” icon in the browser’s status or address bar.

Configure your browser so that it does not automatically download ActiveX controls or run scripts, Java applets, or other code. If you want to be able to run code on some sites, configure the browser to prompt you before doing so.