If it is indeed a newer machine running XP, SP2 will help. The downloads and updates are a killer on a dial up though. SP2 can be ordered from Microsft for free on a CD.
Staples offers an Internet securities package with there name on it. It is made by Panda Soft. Works really well with XP SP2. Only issue I have with it is; it has an activation code so it can't be installed more than once (bootlegged).