Here are a few more tips on how to protect your computer from attacks:

1. Don't run an Operating System that has reached end-of-life. Windows XP was introduced 16 years ago and Microsoft supported it for 13 years, but that time has gone and gone.  Time to move on.  Most OS vendors clearly indicate how long they will support an OS.  Apple is the notable exception in that they just silently pull support for older versions of OSX about 3 years after they are released. Either way when that time is done you need to upgrade.

2. Don't use a hacked or illegally downloaded OS.  There are lots of free options out there if you don't want to buy.

3. Always sit behind some sort of firewall, even if it is just a home networking router.

4. Use a bit of common sense and a healthy dose of paranoia. Start with the assumption that everything you get on the internet is malicious and needs to be proven otherwise.

I know none of this should be new, but it is worth repeating.