For antivirus I have been using AVG since it was recommended to me by my company's I.T. Support. It of course is free but other functions are added by purchasing the packages. For those of you looking for the link:
AVG Free Advisor - Free antivirus and anti-spyware downloads One of the benefits of AVG is that it can be set to automatically download updates and scan a system at chosed intervals - usually each day.
For spyware, I use
http://www.safer-networking.org/index2.html which is also free butis highly effective in catching and removing those gremlins which really can slow down your system and compromise your personal data and security. Spybot also allows you to immunize your computer and block the known sites which plant the spyware on your computer.
Adware is another real issue which slows down performance. One of the best Adware removers is Ad-Aware by Lavasoft.
Ad-Aware @ Lavasoft - The Original Anti-Spyware Company - Lavasoft .
The efficacy of full blown purchased programs such as Norton compared to the freeware which provide basic coverage of these three issues ( Viruses, Spyware and Adware) is highly debated. Many power users feel that the freeware versions give every bit as much protection as the purchased programs. All three of the protection systems above offer automatic daily updates and scans.
Another interesting program which gives nearly real-time protection is called "House-Call"
Trend Micro HouseCall - Free Online Virus and Spyware Scan - Trend Micro USA It requires download of management software but scans based on a live on-line database which is updated as new viruses appear. An interesting sidelight to this software is the world map which shows which viruses are currently at work in various parts of the earth. They do request permission to report back to them any viruses found to add to their worldmap of the spread of these viruses.
Personally I use all four of the above programs and my ISP gives another level of protection via their servers which add on firewall and antivirus protection.
A very important point for any who are not familiar with the dangers of internet usage is that there is NO SINGLE PROGRAM which provides complete coverage and detects all viruses. This is why many experienced users have multiple anti virus/spyware/adware programs installed. A bit of research on-line shows that whichever program (s) you choose to use must be continually updated and used. Simply installing one program and running it once is not enough.
