Microsoft starting offering a free Anti Virus software program that you can download. I was using Avast which is free for 1 year. This program appears to be 100% free.

http://www.microsoft.com/security/products/mse.aspx

Google free antivirus software & you'll find some listed.  You can find free software @  http://www.cnet.com/ 

Personally, I prefer to purchase Norton Internet Security with the 3 user license.  You can install it on 3 computers. KEEP your purchase record and the Norton Product Code.  Keep the Disc., the product code and all the paperwork if in doubt as to what to retain.  Each year, someone will put Norton on sale with rebate(s).  If you've kept the correct info., you can purchase the new version next year for little or nothing.  I've "renewed" my Norton for free for the past three years from Frys Electronics ( http://www.frys.com/ )  They typically offer two rebates - purchase and loyalty, though they call 'em something else. Watch the weekly ads. Last week they had the 3 user licnese on sale for free after rebates. Wait a week or so and they'll have some other version on sale.  It's constantly  on sale.  Wait till the version you want is on sale and you can buy it for free or next to nothing  (with rebates).

PS:  You'll only be eligible for one rebate on your first purchase.  Next year, with proof of prior purchase you'll be eligible for the two rebates (purchase & loyalty - when offered).

PPS: I emailed Norton (Symantec) about 23 days I still had on my prior version and they increased my current coverage by 30 days to 395 days, so I've coverage for a year and a month..

Just a commet, I had micro soft free anti spy and it did caught most all of the bad stuff, but the reason I have been gone so long is it did not caught one virus which proceeded to totally trash my Sony vio laptop, I now have to pay $500 for an new hard drive and possible ram, so not real thrilled, but I do relize this can happen with any anti virus, I got a cheap desk top and have to say I feel like I am in the dark ages because I got so use to the speed of the sony and how well it did, but only have to use this for about 4 to 6 weeks, then my sony will be back home, it is the one I won a couple years ago, so not bad to pay $500, I checked on a new one just like it and it was way over my budget, cheapest place $1500 to $2000 for them, wow wish I won two. Anyway just be sure to get great virus, it is worth the price if you have to buy it. now I have Kaspersky, and it has a guarentee through Geek squad, by the way please forgive my spelling I don't have spell check yet, have to find all the right buttons and such to push.  Missed you all, going to go get robo and see if can win some more computer stuff. 

I agree - the net is still a bit like the Wild West, in that you don't have continuity of security - so instead of the "dummy gauges" in the form of popups that gave warnings out of context/were useless if you didn't have a grasp of all the ways your security could be breached, they finally caught up and offered something that works!!!

tobby - the BEST anti-virus can't protect you from yourself.    Like I mentioned, you have to have some knowledge of what the bad guys will do/use to get to you to better protect yourself - like knowing to shut off the preview pane in email, use your firewall, go to the source - don't click links unless YOU requested them/bookmarked them after doing your due diligence, etc.

Safe surfing isn't taught like Drivers Ed. - it's sink or swim, and even the BEST get caught, so don't feel bad, just understand that nothing can completely protect you from all harm!