IT/computer guys: Best antivirus/firewall?

[DRJDVM's '69]

I wanted to get some "expert" opinions on Antivirus/Firewall software...

I've used Norton Internet Security for as long as I can remember.... probably a good 10 years now. Bottom line is its a huge performance hog and I'm sick of it. I've kinda heard/known this for years but stuck with it out of habit. The subscription is up, and I'm looking to change.

So.....in you opinion what is the best protection for my computer?

I have an XP based Dell desktop and a laptop

Cable internet run through a router....wireless connection to laptop and PS3

Some suggestions I've gotten...

(1) Just used the Microsoft firewall and the router is a built in firewall too...no need for an additonal firewall.

(2) Antivirus/spyware etc...use Webroot Spysweeper or Kaspersky

Now my online research seems to say NIS 2009 is way way better, less CPU hogging etc, but I'm always wary of alot of the online reviews at some of the sites

So..any "real world" opinions ?

[VP23271]

Below is a link to a company that my friend started. I have not tried it yet because my McAfee subscription has not expired. Sorry DRJDVM , but no "Real World" first hand experience with it yet. If anyone else has any recommendations, I would be interested too.

http://www.cyberdefender.com/

[2Bad4Ya]

anti virus is a must have, and there are amyn flavors and personal favorites.

I work for a major financial institute and we have some serious security demands on our machines. We can't have some virus or hacker run loose on our systems, one or two times of that happening and the bad publicity would be well spread across the world.

That all being said... we use pc cillin from trend micro, I figured it was good enuff for my employor so I have been running it for the last 4-5yrs with no issues. I think its great and does not seem to be the system hog borton and mcaffee are.

In junction with that I also use spybot S&D, it is a great tie in to my anti virus software. This keeps spyware/malware in check and off my system.

Those 2 applications behind a firewall and no virus'/spyware on my personal machines in around 5 yrs (knock on wood).

[tones2SS]

I use ZONE ALARM as a firewall and AD-AWARE & SPYBOT for the other things.
I also use a NORTON's complete virus scan once a week.

[Flash68]

I've been using Avast and Ad-aware (both free and very popular) for years..... with no issues on any of my computers.

Get them at downloads.com

[awr68]

I just had my IT friend rebuild my machines and he loaded Avast on them...so far so good! The reason for the rebuilds? I got hit hard about a month ago...damn viruses!!