I am trying to find instruction on how to change the registry, reconfigure, etc... (instant messenger) Aim to prevent malicious automatic downloading of unwanted file, worms and other nasty stuff to our home computer.

AIM Online Safety/Security FAQ".
Help with Viruses and Trojans".

• Use good anti-virus and anti-spyware protection software.
• Be careful what you download and when clicking on links.
• Use a Firewall.

To protect yourself against malware here are a few helpful suggestions:

1. Keep Windows and Internet Explorer current with the latest critical security updates from Microsoft including SP2 which has enhanced security features. This will patch many of the security holes through which attackers can gain access to your computer.

2. Run weekly scans with these free spyware cleaning tools:
• Ad-Aware SE Personal 1.06
• Spybot S&D 1.4

3. Prevention and Protection Tips:
Read "Simple and easy ways to keep your computer safe".
Read "How to Configure Enhanced Security Features for IE in XP SP2".
Read "Improve Your Security with Windows Security Checklist XP".
Read "Create Your Accounts" to learn how to set up a user account instead of administrator to prevent malware from installing itself on your system.

4. Stay informed, use common sense, keep up to date with all your anti-virus/anti-malware scanning programs and use them as part of your regularly scheduled maintenance.