I found this article while perusing the web this afernoon. Please note that the link is to a .pdf file, so you will need the adobe acrobat reader to view it. I have to point out that perhaps the most important point this article makes is...

Stop blaming Microsoft, the Web, or insecure software because many experts point to you and I as the biggest, most easily exploited security hole for hackers.
AMEN

This is definitely a must read for newbies who are concerned about securing their machines and curious about how to do so.