Windows firewall + automatic updates + AVG free scanner is all anyone really needs, for XP or Vista. Just don't click any link that you know you shouldn't click on, or download a .exe or codec on p2p.

These days, the biggest problem is rogue security software e.g. "Home Antivirus 2010". It's a huge business for the creators (the conficker C virus from earlier this year is reputed to distribute rogue software from infected machines). If any software gets on your PC and tells you it can fix the problem for $$...read on...

Although virus removal is also a big business for those involved, Microsoft have a free removal service, either online through http://www.microsoft.com/security/ma...e/default.aspx or phone customer service and ask for the pc safety team.

This is also due later in the year:

Microsoft to give away anti-virus

"No specific date has been given for when Morro will be released, but in the past Microsoft has said it would be out by the end of 2009 at the latest."

That's the one my mate got on his computer. Luckily for him my brother helped us get it off, we think. We had to use 3 different programs to remove it. Horrible stuff.

If it's as bug free as Windows, we're in for a real treat

can any of you guys tell me if norton exists in unlimited licence version? I saw an offer on kijiji , not sure how true would this be and its cheap, norton 2009, selling at $25. Just quickly on norton site, couldnt find any mention of it, they all say 1-2 years subscription.

With Vista go to the control panel, security center, other security settings, then user account control. Make sure user account control is switched on. Once it is, Vista requires your permission to install any new software or run a new executable file.

My local computer expert recommends:

AVG or Avast

http://www.anti-virus-professional.com/avg.html

http://www.anti-virus-professional.com/avast.html

Adaware

http://www.anti-virus-professional.com/avast.html

(make sure you get the Lavasoft site)

And Spybot Search and Destroy

http://www.safer-networking.org/index2.html

If you want to uninstall Norton - you can get the Uninstall tool from the Symantec site here:

http://service1.symantec.com/Support...05033108162039

That link works - I have used it myself.

Totally agree that Avast works well, I have tried many over the years including Norton, which personally I found to be dire! Avast seems to be the best so running along side Windows Defender and I also run Ad aware and Spyware Terminator from time to time to just to be extra sure. Good luck!

thanks for replies......

Completely agree with Bob - that's the combo I use and would recommend above any other (and PC servicing/repair is my job.) I also regularly use MalwareBytes as it is by far the best anti-malware software (in my opinion) and is also free.

In addition, though, I would strongly advise installing McAfee Site Advisor. It's free (see the pattern here, LOL!) and will warn you if you try to directly visit a site containing active threats and unsafe downloads. When you use a search engine, it will warn you if any of the search results are actually directing you to malicious sites, before you click through.

(AVG free has the same functionality built in, but it's pretty rubbish at it and seems to miss more unsafe sites than Site Advisor.)

We get an awful lot of machines that have Norton on and that are heavily virus infected. First thing we do with them is uninstall Norton and install Avast and MalwareBytes, which seem to reliably remove what Norton misses. Occassionally we'll have to use more "low level" solutions for specific persistent infections (e.g. Combofix, etc) but generally Avast and Malwarebytes will do the trick. As a final sweep, the Kaspersky online virus scan is great. It will identify threats but leaves you to remove them manually.

In fact, if you're set on not using Avast any more (even though it's great, LOL!) and you want to pay for protection, I'd recommend either Kaspersky or ESET/NOD32.