Computer Security Options

[bojangles_8686]

Ok I am putting my own computer together soon and have everything picked out except the spyware/virus protection software. For all you computer savy people out there, what is the best product to get for the best price? I know that is kind of a general question but I have a $50 best buy gift card and would like to use it towards security software. If it makes a difference, I am going to be running Windows XP Professional.

[Snarfer]

hmm security...

1. Use Mozilla Firefox... much better then IE, and tabbed browsing is awesome.
2. Your profile says you are in college, check with you univeristy before you buy anything...

just on a guess if it is umd you go to check: http://www.helpdesk.umd.edu/virus/software.shtml it has a link for mcafee 8.0i for free. Generally these corporate editions from the university are less annoying then the consumer antivirus/spyware/firewall packages.

3. I never have problems with spyware, but if you know a thing or two about computers you can generally get rid of spyware with hijackthis. Firefox and a corporate antivirus should keep the spyware at a minimum.
4. Keep windows up to date no matter what