I have SP2 on my Windows XP Home Edition; do I need to purchase any other protection/security programs (such as McAfee or Norton)?

I would like you to know that Windows XP SP2 offers enhancements and better protection against viruses, hackers, and worms, it does not offer complete protection of your computer. It provides protection such as Windows Firewall, Pop-up Blocker for Internet Explorer, and Windows Security Center. For further information on the security features of Windows XP please refer the following web link:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/security/features.mspx

However, you can download Windows Defender which is a free program that helps protect your computer against pop-ups, slow performance, and security threats caused by spyware and other unwanted software. You may download it from the following web link:

http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx

Microsoft also provides an antivirus software, Windows Live One Care, which helps you protect your computer from virus infection and other security threats. You may download the trial version of the software from the web link given below. You can also obtain information on the features of the software from the link:

http://onecare.live.com/standard/en-ca/default.htm