The days of safely browsing the web are long gone. If you are browsing, downloading any files from any sites online, opening pages offering 'free stuff' then chances are you already have a Virus or a Spy-ware infection in your PC. Many of the reasons P2P sites like (Ares, Limewire, Torrent sites) have the files you looking for is because the vast majority of those files contain Trojan viruses in them. You get the free file, MP3 song, or whatever it is you wanted downloaded for free, but the freebie comes with a price. Now a hacker gets free access to your PC or laptop.
Within days you will notice your PC is slower. Your security has been compromised. It happens daily. It happened to me. That is why if you don't have an anti-virus/spy-ware program you should immediately get one. If you do have one, depending on which one it is, you should research to make sure it has some of the great features that you will need to be protected. I use ZoneAlarm. I have been using it for the past 5 years. I swear by it. One of the best things about ZoneAlarm is the ability to stop you from going to dangerous sites (Spy-blocking) another is that each time you install a new program, it tells you how much access the program wants (how much you give it is up to you) it tells you if it tries to change your registry settings (very important)
and if it should allow it access to the web.
There are many other reasons I recommend ZoneAlarm. There are too many jerks out there who want to harm us. That's what they do. Then there are others who want to steal our identity because that too is what they do. Protect your self at all times.
Have a great day!
