The virus: bane of computer users everywhere. Attachments and just plain old downloads constantly threaten our information. And Norton or McAffee are very expensive (wouldn't you agree?).

I personally use AVG Anti-Virus (Free Edition), available at http://www.grisoft.com I find it quite adequate in most instances. I've never encountered a problem with it.

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What about firewalls? Whenever your computer is online (which is all the time, if you use cable/DSL), anyone can attack your computer! So a firewall is a necessity. I've used Windows XP's before (even though my computer is WinME, my grandma needed my help to set up hers, an XP) and it's perfect for incoming, but does nothing for outgoing. I use Sygate's free one (http://www.sygate.com), though I believe ZoneAlarm is more popular. I have encountered no problems with Sygate either.

Btw, go to CNET.com to find reviews for all sorts of things. I love it. Almost as much as I love my new video card! :p (Okay, so it's almost a month old...Xmas and all that...)

I use Norton which came with my computer (I have a Dell). A good online scanner is Housecall (http://housecall.antivirus.com). It is free.

yeah, Norton is a good program
in fact, i think it's one of the best

I've been working on MacIntosh for 12 years. Never have seen a virus or heard about anyone on Mac getting one. I finally have stopped using my anti-virus.

You've probably got a point there, I've never heard of a Mac getting a virus either.
I've got to tell ya though...with all the talk in other areas of this forum, regarding the French and they're marching to their own drummer, and knowing the rather unique position that Apples have in the computer world, the image of Frenchmen (women?) using them just cracks me up.