i'm primarily a Linux guy, all my mail is sent through Evolution on Linux.
i mainly use windows for entertainment (Games, movies, etc), and although outlook is set up on this PC, i don't have mail accounts created (i sync my phone on it.. that's all)
i'm not using any software firewall (apart from Windows firewall if that counts) my network is behind a hardware router, so there's no risk of incoming external connections.. it's the outgoing stuff i need to control now.
i tried connecting to the IP on port 110.. didn't get a proper POP3 header back
as for P2P Applications, i only have BitTorrent
i just downloaded AVG Anti-Spyware, installed, updated it, and it's doing a full system scan.. so far only cookies found
will keep you posted
thanks guys