[ORM]

Having rebuilt my PC a few weeks ago I decided to "treat" myself to Norton Internet Security 2005, always on, always high security (deny or ask me) regular system scans and virus definitions etc maintained up to date .

Prior to that I'd always used Kerio Personal Firewall (freeware versions) and threw my PC at the mercy of various proprietary net scanners, the majority of the time coming up with a clean bill of health.

Having recently had a little "episode" as attached:

Link to the genius here

I'm less of a fan of Norton and very tempted to go back to Kerio which was infinitely easier for an intermediate like me to get along with - anything I didn't understand was denied with a permanent rule created.

The question is pretty simple, in addition to my Norton (or possibly Kerio) what other apps/software would people recommend I add to my PC and any tips for usage/frequency would be appreciated.

[Kenny94]

I do not recommend running two software firewalls or two virus software at the same time.They may conflict with each other. I think that's what U are asking.....

[ORM]

No just to be clear it will be one or the other firewall - but the real question is what to use in addition to a firewall to prevent this occuring again

[Kenny94]

Keep your your Windows ME clean with: http://www.ccleaner.com/

Visit Tech Support Guy Security Help Tools at: http://forums.techguy.org/t110854.html and scroll down to Parasitic. And download SpywareBlaster. All you have to do to keep SpywareBlaster aware of the latest threats is to regularly update the software's database. Also run Ad-Ware and Spybot this way U are sure they are all doing there job.

Here's a great cleaning tool from a-squared (a²) is a complementary product to antivirus software and desktop firewalls on MS Windows computers. Antivirus software specializes in detecting classic viruses. Many available products have weaknesses in detecting other malicious software (Malware) like Trojans, Dialers, Worms and Spyware (Adware). a² fills the gap that malware writers exploit.
When on page, scroll down to a² Free at:

http://www.emsisoft.com/en/software/free/

Run these programs at least once a week......

And of course use your Norton AntiVirus 2005.....