Patched - Nope - Next order of business is SP 2.
Firewall - Nope
Router - Nope. Only one box in the house.
I am thinking that Charter’s security will be sufficient. Do you think I should turn off their firewall (if I can) and use either the Windows one of perhaps Zone Alarm.
I want to make this as clean and simple for her as I can.
If you are looking for firewall and virus protection that is pretty much set up and let run then Avast! Home (free) and Comodo firewall (free) update themselves once running and I have had no problems with them over many, many months.
There are other FReepers much more qualified to offer you correct answers to your very good questions - I had best defer to them.
I was just raising the questions which came to my mind. If I recall correctly SP-2 did close a worm vulnerability?
Can the OS be re-installed? That might be your best option at this point frankly, it seems to me.
Disclaimer to all of the above, I’m on Linux most of the time.
(for exactly the reasons you describe)
Windows doesn't protect you against outgoing connections. I use PC Tools Firewall Plus (free). It does a good job of alerting you if something is trying to access the internet.
The free version is very good. I pay for the top of the line.
I also run Spybot.
With that combination I have never had a problem.
Garde la Foi, mes amis! Nous nous sommes les sauveurs de la République! Maintenant et Toujours!
(Keep the Faith, my friends! We are the saviors of the Republic! Now and Forever!)
LonePalm, le Républicain du verre cassé (The Broken Glass Republican)
Don't forget SP3 and updates after that!
For someone that doesn't want to get involved in security, then I would use Microsoft Security Essentials, it is passive and invisible, that and automatic updates will probably keep her pretty safe without her having to get involved, or learn anything new.