First off- Im a hypocrite- I really don't give a damn about some script kiddy or even the vlads/romos...and if THE MAN wants you- sorry- but your fucked- there is simply no way to protect yourself at that point except unplugging your computer, tossing your cell, etc etc. As a grey hat who has worked with both major corporations and governments- everything you do or say electronically IS compromised!
But- if you are concerned about the script kiddy or the latest botnet- the basics:
don't use windows
use Tor or jap (or both) for a proxy- then funnel through any of the web based proxy services (of course- you WILL slow to a crawl)
Use gmail or fastmail. that don't transmit your IP (or even god forbid- AOL which shows the same IP for everyone)
NEVER click a link on a website
NEVER click a link on an email and never even open an email unless your 99.9% sure its from a friend
DON"T use HUSHMAIL -use the open source pgp with your own email client
use a hardware based firewall such as smoothwall- linkys and the like ARE compromised
never,ever use your home connection- go to the library, a cafe, or just wardrive- but if your using wifi never use a computer that can be traced to you.
don't ever think your antivirus will protect you- I've got a drive full of programs, some years old, that still slip by the best.
Don't ever post your real name/pic,address on line. Don't use social networking sites like myspace,twitter,etc, don't use the same user name on multiple forums, don't even use the same writing styles/tell the same stories...
Never use a real credit card online. Don't use paypal.
the good- kapersky and avast are very good antivirus tools- and avasts free
smoothwall is free (requires a dedicated box)
blackberrys encryption is still unbreakable
pgp is still unbreakable
big brother really doesn't give a rats ass about you- BUT- if you come in their scope for some reason...well- game over
I could go on and on.