I second
@frogboy, his first (2) tips are among our core add-ons,
the 3rd I should follow myself!
As
@jamescv7 mentioned, an alternate browser is a good option.
@Klipsh's advice to secure your system with UAC is solid, although for added protection you might consider using the free sandboxing program, Sandboxie
http://www.sandboxie.com/index.php?DownloadSandboxie
Like yourself, we have an XP SP3 system that's still running. As
@exterminator20 advised, a less vulnerable OS is worth considering. If cost for another Windows OS is an obstacle, linux is a viable (cost free) choice.
I am typing using the same hardware, but from a more secure linux distro (operating system) called lubuntu. Here is an article all about the free system you can add alongside your current OS.
I like it!
For greater privacy in Firefox, <click> on menu (3 horizontal lines)
- Open preferences
- Go to Privacy
- Under History, select Firefox will: "Never remember history" & while there, you can clear all current history.