If you are using the Administrator account or an account with administrator privillages for routine work like internet browsing, email etc, then you are asking for trouble.
If a worm or a virus manages to get past your antivirus software (you have antivirus, don't you?), then the worm or virus will have all the previllages that your administrator account has - that's total control. It can install itself wherever it pleases, do whatever it wants and the total system will be at its mercy. System wide malfunction will occur. Removing the virus will be very dificult.
On the other hand, if you are using a non-administrator, limited account, the maximum rights that the virus can get is limited to your limited account's previllages. Atleast it wont be able to modify system files, install iteself everywhere etc. The infection will not be system wide and it will be relatively easier to recover from too.
To findout what your previllages you currently have, go to the Control Panel > User Accounts. If you are using an account that's labeled 'Computer Administrator', you better use another account which is a Limited account for Internet and email. If needed, create a new user with Limited privileges just for Internet and email.
Use the latest version of FireFox or Internet Explorer 7 to increase security. Go to Windows Update website to keep your software up-to-date.
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