Hi woundman,

I guess many of our friends have already added suffcient to this thread.. But to sum up

Here a list of action that you need to undertake be assureed that ur PC is not vulnerable to various online threats

1. Install a Robust Operating Systems on your PC (Linux is the best choice, But if you would like to use Windows use a OS Version which had active support available from Microsoft)

2. Install only bare required Software into your PC

3. Install some freely available Firewall (ZONE ALARM)

4. Install a good Antivirus Program which ensure that the virus definitions are updated automatically.

5. Install SPYWARE detection program (Adware , Spybot)

6. Always be very careful while you open your mails especially the attachments, if you feel the mail is from unknown sender delete the mail.. Also remember that mails from known people with strange attachments should also be deleted.

7. Always be very careful while you transact online... verify the security of website before giving all ur CC nos.... and details (SSL i.e HTTPS does enhance the level of assurance for secured online transactions.....)

8. Never download or trust a certificate unless u are sure of what it is going to do for you.

9. Always look out for latest service packs for your OS , Office software, IE , Outlook etc.

10. Always install latest vulnerability patches of know threats found on the software that u have installed.

11. Make it a point that u keep urself updated with latest happenings in the world of Information Security (Antionline is one good source of keeping ur self updated)

I guess this few steps and forget the rest.. remember paretos threory... TWENTY PERCENT EFFORTS AND HELP U REDUCE 80% OF YOUR PROBLEMS......

As mentioned earlier there not much a person can do by knowing ur ip.... It should be a concern only if u are planning to launch an attack or something.. in that case yes it is possiblte to track u down to ur home.... but I guess that is only for guilts to worry abt.....

I hope this help you........