1.) It seems that many people have cable modems nowadays. Is there some type of software deemed necessary for security purposes? What do you use or recommend?
If your using WinXP it has a built in Firewall (Ive used it since ive had XP) Another good one is
Zonealarm and its free
On the subject of Email, can that be filtered too? I'd hate to think of little kids getting some of the emails that get sent to me.
An Excellent programme
Mailwasher Again free, you can Block,Blacklist annoying emails before you download them.
Never used any content blocking software so cant help there.
Adaware is a handy little program to get rid of unwanted cookies/spyware which again is free.