Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2010 - the backbone of your PC's security system, offering real-time automated protection from a range of IT threats: Real-time scanning of files, web pages and e-messages; Basic identity theft protection; Color-coding of links to unsafe websites; Disabling of links to malicious websites; Blocking of suspicious programs based on their behavior; Protection from hijacking of your PC; Self-protection from malware; Regular and emergency updates for always-on protection.

AVG is one the most popular and inexpensive antivirus programs. There is a free, basic version for home use. The more robust version with added features provides inexpensive peace of mind.

AVIRA antivirus products are relatively new but that doesn't mean they're not as good. I discovered them a year ago and have had no problems at all.

Anti-malware software

There are oher ways your computer can be harmed. Antimalware are methods used to get information about you and your Internet habits. They secretly planted programs on your PC that feed information back to there makers. The information may then be passed on to others. This is the origin of many of your spam emails. You can remove these programs by using one or more anti-malware programs.

Because you're dealing with the health of your PC it is important to get your anti-malware from reputable sources. If in doubt, don't.

My suggestions for antimalware are Adaware, Spybot and Ashampoo.

Adaware - Protect your computer from online bugs.

Spybot

Firewall

A firewall is a program that prevents your computer from being hijacked by someone else. Despite appearances there are thousands of doors (called ports) on your computer. Most of them are safely used by you and the Internet to come and go with relative safety. Other ports connect you to your printer, scanner, camera and so on - anything you connect to your computer. The firewall makes sure that the other doors are securely closed.

My firewall suggestions are by Comodo, Zonealarm and F-Secure - all make free versions for home use.

Comodo produce a wide array of security software including, antivirus, antimalware and firewall.

F-secure -