Recommended PC security software?

Got my new rig coming tomorrow so I am determined to look after it properly.

What security software would you guys recommend? (free of charge prefferd)

I currently use AVG which seems ok but some people I mention it to don't rate it too highly so any free alternatives about?

also going to be adding - SpyBot S&D , Spyware Blaster , Firefox (No script,adblock) and implementing the golden rule NO PRON! - hey i can take my laptop to bed with me anyway - its much more comfortable and private there than in my office :whistling:

The haters will tell you that because AVG doesn't detect more than about 85% of all currently known viruses that it sucks or whatever. If you aren't surfing websites of questionable repute or transporting floppies or other removable media in and out of it all the time and if you're behind a hardware firewall like most current dsl/cable routers, that's a moot point. Most people get nailed with the popular stuff, like the Storm worm. AVG is very good about updating to protect against those. The other stuff is so rarely seen outside of college/school computer labs that for most users it doesn't even bear mentioning.

AVG is also VERY friendly to your system resources while still providing real-time file system protection.

/shrug

[edit] With the other stuff you're doing (firefox + adblock + noscript = HUGE) then you're pretty golden. I've been using your plan + cable modem router + AVG now for about 3 years and I've had zero infections on 5 PCs.

P.S. Yes, I use "haters" because the topic of anti-virus solutions lately on generalist forums has become less based on realistic facts and more on ballpark absolutes and fashionability.

I suggest using a software like ZoneAlarm. I've had a lot of success with it in the past, and its free. It blocks all incoming and outgoing internet traffic unless you "allow" it to go through. At the beginning, this is annoying, because all of your programs start asking you for permission. After you "always allow" the programs that frequently access the internet, you're in the clear. It's amazing how many programs try to access the internet from your PC, or how many PC's out there are trying to connect to your computer out of the blue.

Before 1version 4.8 I would have recommended Avast! but they are having problems with key lag so steer clear, at least for now


I use AVG Free

My work gives us CA eTrust AV, and I've been very happy with it. I leave the realtime scanning running all of the time, and I can only think of a few occasions over the last 6+ years where it has caused me problems. Might cost some $$$ though if you have to buy it yourself.

Cheers guys - settled for AVG free and Zone Alarm along with the anti spyware & Firefox plugins mentioned above.