Actually, I've found anti-virus software does more harm then good in my particular case. It may sound silly to some, but I am experienced enough with computers that I don't really need it. I've seen MANY virus infestations in the past with anti-virus software and firewalls installed (Many of which I have been hired to fix). In reality, it's the user more than the software, I'm my own anti-virus software, if that makes any sense. Not a single pop-up, virus (I scan using an online virus scanner from time to time), or spyware (I use Ad-Aware every month or so) since I've owned this computer!

Here are a few of the big points for me:
-Install Mozilla Firefox (Incredibly secure internet browsing program, not one virus or spyware since I've used it.)
-Don't install anything if you don't know exactly what it is. (Rule of thumb, if a program is titled Run me!.exe... don't.

)
-Keep any sensitive or important files on an external storage source, just in case. This way, if you do get a trojan, they cannot access those sensitive files because you only plug it in when you need that file! (Hopefully you know you have a virus before then) Best firewall there is!

-Keep an eye out for suspicious programs, processes, memory and CPU usage. A lot of viruses are actually smart enough to "blind" anti-virus software completely.
Now I by no means am saying this is what everyone should do, just a personal choice. I decided I liked boot-up, sleep, and shut down times along with program performance over anti-virus and firewalls. (Plus, my router has an SPI firewall, no real need for a software firewall.)
