In regards to Spyware and Viruses. For Spyware, just run another browser other than IE. I use Opera, and I can go a month without scanning with SpyBot S&D (FREE). It will find nothing as long as I stick with Opera. If I uses IE for one afternoon it finds all kinds of crap. Either way, Spybot S&D is free and works wonderfully if you must use IE. As for virus protection. AVG Free works great. To be honest though I have never gotten a virus since getting on the internet in 96'. Most viruses are spread either through warez or file sharing programs. Go figure. I didnt start using a virus protection program until a few years ago, AVG. Sounds risky I know, but if people would use a little common sense when downloading and sharing files they would be virus free. A router/firewall combo is actually a better investment. Most people have no idea how often their computer is hit by outside attackers.