good for you! yes it is extremely important to keep check on all the things that need updating not just windows updates many of those items leave you very vulnerable to intrusion. I like to use the Secunia tool to help determine what needs updating. Secunia Online Software Inspector (OSI) I agree the teams on the support forums are awesome folks.

Here is some information I got from a colleague of mine. As far as using a borrowed disc: "The only problem may be that if the installed system has had a Service Pack added to it, the disk will need to be the same or there'll be no Repair option, just reinstallation. In other words, if the system is at SP3 level, a WIN2000 SP2 disk won't work". There have been 4 service packs, so it's more than possible! Windows key: will you need it? "As far as keys is concerned, it depends. Sometimes yes. sometimes no. I think it depends on which Service Pack has been installed and whether the key data is accessible when doing the repair". See link for additional info. CLICK HERE

MalwareBytes free updated here right before christmas. Its now Pro version & does run at start up with some added protection - I assume for 30 days. I maybe was tired or busy when it updated, and possibly didnt pay attention & got pro by accepting it quickly.

I use Disk Keeper and Cookie Wall. I use Avast antivirus. I use Outlook Express and sometimes Internet Explorer. Sometimes I even blow the dust bunnies out of the case. I use XP Home Edition. I was using Outpost firewall but had a problem with it using too much processor power. I didn't have time to solve the problem so I uninstalled it and I'm using the XP firewall. Pooh Bear