I recently got a new computer. Windows 7. For various work at home reasons and usefulness in helping foster the education of my stepkids, it was just a better choice (and more affordable) than a new mac.

That being the case, it's been upwards of a decade since I've had to manage the security of a PC. Is there any free software out there that is recommended by some of you more savvy computer nerds that will serve as a replacement for the McAfee's and Norton's of the world?

Any suggestions?

I have Windows and did some reading up and most everything I found said the free Microsoft Security Essentials works as well as anything else out there. It also doesn't use up more memory or resources. I have been using it on my current machine for about 2 years or a bit more without any trouble.

I use Avira for antivirus stuff and Comodo for a firewall. I haven't had any real issues since I started using both.

Microsoft Security Essentials is a good free product. I have heard good things about both Avira and Avast, but they both seem to be more naggy with messages, etc. than I prefer. I still use AVG free on my machines, and haven't had any issues.

AVG is pretty solid, if I'm getting the acronymn correct. I just pay for the one from Microcenter.

I found gizmo the best place for decent freeware. I just use the editor picks. Avast, comodo, malwarebytes.

Gizmo

thanks, fellas