Personally, I'm not using anti-virus software, but I use Spybot for scanning, and I usually leave Windows Defender running although I'm not thrilled with it.

I use the firewall built into Vista or XP, and I think it works pretty well.

I use Avast! anti-virus and I'm pretty happy with it. I also use Webroot Spy Sweeper, but only because I'm still a student and my school offers it for free. I guess it works fine, and it gets great reviews, but I don't think I'd shell out the money for it. There are plenty of good free options out there. And I use the built-in Vista firewall. No complaints.

SpywareBlaster is very useful as well against spyware

http://www.javacoolsoftware.co.....aster.html

Foe those that want to try Webroot, Buy.com has it free after rebates:

http://www.buy.com/retail/prod.....=204225851

Here is some data:

http://www.av-comparatives.org.....rview.html

http://techhelpvideos.wordpres.....omparison/

@donjudy If the Vista firewall is off you possibly have the firewall in your security suite on (e.g. Norton). You cannot have both running. They would get into each others hair.