Buy a router too. I've seen so many computers get infected within seconds of connecting to the internet (even to merely obtain Windows updates) because they weren't protected by the router. Your router will act as a firewall and help prevent you from getting hit with them nasty worms.
Can't go wrong with bobbleheads suggestions. I've actually never used Avast so I don't know much about it. I use AVG Free edition. It ain't Trend Micro but it does the job for me.
I've been virus and spyware free for years now (except for the odd tracking cookie, which ain't really that big of a deal) and I've been getting by on the free stuff but you didn't hear it from me because I get money (and sometimes headaches too) from fixing computers that didn't play well with the paid versions of antivirus.
|