Answers:
I'm not entirely sure what you penny-pinching, but this might be it.
http://www.grc.com/unpnp/unpnp.htm... :-)
What sort of loop hole ? plz complex!
i use chewing gum.
Make sure Automatic Updates in Windows is on, allow it to download and install all updates. Make sure you own a polite virusscanner running in the backgroud (AVG is fitting and free, available from http://free.grisoft.com). Make sure the virusscanner updates itself on a regular basis (at smallest once a day).
Apart from that: if you enjoy adjectives the guarantee patch and updates, you'll be allright. Just stay away from highbrow websites and downloads.