I searched the archives but could find the answer so I'll post.

I'm running XP Pro.

I currently use Norton and I'm getting tired of the resource hog. I like it because it is an antivirus and firewall.

I've been hearing more and more about AVG (Washington Post tech guy re-recommended it yesterday). But what concerns me is that it is just antivirus. For firewall, I would have to use Windows built-in firewall. But given how crappy Microsoft is with security, I'm hesitant to use the firewall.

So, is the firewall with Windows ok? Basically, what program(s) do you all recommend?

I run XP Home and use the AVG free antivirus which is much less of a resource hog than Norton. For a firewall I use McAfee's Personal Firewall Plus which is provided free of charge to Comcast ISP users. So if you are on Broadband see if your ISP does provide a free firewall download, and if not one to consider is the free version of Zone Alarm from ZoneLabs.

I have a norton 'corporate edition' anti which essentially never runs out so it is not a $$ issue. but I've moved over to the mcaffee deal that as noted comes free with comcast.

suggest that you see what your ISP gives out for free if anything.
ront

Avast is another very good free one. I use Kerio personal firewall too (free)

I have Win XP pro and I use
Virus= AVG
Firewall= router, but I used Zone alarm in the past.
Spyware = Adaware from Lavasoft and a few others as needed.
Don't forget, 1 antivirus running all the time, 1 firewall running all the time and multiple spyware programs as needed.

As for a router firewall, how do I know my router is working as a firewall? It's a Dlink DI-524.

Edit

I guess I answered my own question - it's not a firewall at this time.

http://home.comcast.net/~know_a_bit/dlink_firewall.pdf

I just use AVG, Firefox and the firewall on my router.
Haven't run a spyware scan in months, don't need to.

Ditto on Avast used avg before that for a 2 +years, avast found virus's that avg
missed , also tried anti vir, for a while , but like avast as i haven't had any problems
since using. tried Kerio firewall for a while but went back to zone alarm. running win xp professional sp2

Long time user of Kerio and AVG, both paid versions. But discovered COMODO firewall about two months ago and couldn't be happier. FREE lifetime license and there is also a FREE anti-virus program as well. I use NOD32 for AV, so haven't tried the FREE AV program, but you can check 'em out here:


http://www.comodo.com/

I feel for you having to make this decision. I test a good chunk of the software that is released to make the decisions for myself. AVG vs. Avast! is like McAfee vs. Norton and Ford vs. Chevy. Everyone has a preference. Mine is Avast! Why? It's nicer to look at.

My basic protection program for anyone who doesn't have a lot to put into a computer is:
Avast!,XP Firewall,SpywareBlaster,Spybot S&D, Ad-Aware, CCleaner, and a batch file to defrag the computer.

In fact I use most of this stuff myself because I prefer it. Ad-Aware and Spybot were first to market and although there are two more comprehensive and better rated pay-for anti-spyware protection programs on the market these guys do a great job.

The next step in protection is Google Toolbar - very nice pop-up blocker, A-Squared, Ewido, Zone Alarm, Bit Defender v8 (the standalone scanner). Kerio makes a very nice firewall but it conflicts with other applications. The free firewall to beat for a long time was Seagate's.

My pay-for suggestions are totally different and in most cases aren't really necessary. However they are first class:
Zone Alarm - Hands down the best security suite on the market
Spyware Doctor - Excellent and very nice to look at

I still suggest separate scanners for maintenance but usually the freebies.

I don't use active scanning for anything I don't have to. I don't always have anti-virus installed on my computers and I never have an active spyware scanner. I go to all the places that cause most people promises on the Internet and I'm living proof that common sense is about the best protection you can get for your computer. That and I run regular maintenance. XP defrag can be scheduled, CCleaner can be scheduled, and Ad-Aware, Spybot, and SpywareBlaster really don't take much effort to run.

I run my network at work very differently than my home PCs - either way I don't have problems. Just another note about hardware firewalls - they're great but they're only part of a comprehensive protection plan. Full, proper protection of a PC includes a hardware firewall, software firewall, real-time antivirus, real-time antispyware, and 2-4 standalone scanners.

Po