[HeyImPete]

Excluding all the drivers and basic installation what programs should I be using to protect my computer after I reformat?

[bobbyDladder]

Spybot S&D, AVG, Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, AdAware, and Trojan Remover are good, and they're freeware. Glary Utilities and CrapCleaner are some useful tools to consider for maintaining your computer

[blitzkreig]

1. AVG antivirus is in doldrums so I recommend using avira antvirus free edition or avast home edition(free). AVG seems to detect false positives. If you want to pay for protection, I recommend the following
a. Kaspersky Internet security
b. ESET Nod32 antivirus
c. Bitdefender antivirus/internet security/total security

Its also good to have a firewall, I recommend comodo personal firewall(free) (kaspersky internet security and bitdefender internet security/total security have a firewall, so you dont need to download one(firewall), however the free antiviruses don't have one, even eset nod32 doesn't have one)
A firewall is a primary line of defense.
For antispyware I recommend super antispyware, you get the free edition or else the professional edition if you wish to pay, and windows defender as a secondary defense

Always cultivate safe browsing habbits

[1002richards]

Hi,
You might also find these of interest:

This link is from Security here at TSG

http://forums.techguy.org/general-se...elp-tools.html

There are lots of different but good opinions on how to surf (etc) safely. Some options well explained in this article at TechSupportAlert:
http://www.techsupportalert.com/how-...re-your-pc.php


Also,well written reviews of free security (and other) progs at that same site:
http://www.techsupportalert.com/pc/security-tools.html

Written in ways that help you choose what may suit your experience and needs.

Richard