BleepingComputer.com: Cant Find Out How To Secure Network/internet

Hello all,

Im new here, just joined, and i already have a problem lol.

Im not exactly a computer know it all but i have a good idea of how do use them.

I wish to know how to secure my network, if anyone else out there has a ps3 then you might notice that when you set it up for a wireless connection it tells you the security and mine says "none" I am running on windows 2000 professional OS (shame on me lol) and the device that connects my computer to the router is called Sitecom Wireless Network USB adapter Turbo G WL-172 ( at 802.11 bg WLAN) if thats relevent. My router is a ZyXEL p- 600 series.

Now i was recntly sent some form of malware and that same day i had installed an update for the OS, and i couldnt shutdown properly so i had to hold in the button (hard shutdown i think its called) and when i rebooted my desktop didnt load at all! not even the start button. (probably a problem with the new update and malware)

anyway its all ok now but the thing is i still dont have an antivirus lol i need a good temperary one i can downlad for free for a while til my bro gets a better one from work. so if anyone knows a good one that would be most appreciated.

Right so, anyhelp on securing the network would be nice! If anyone needs any more information just let me know.