Best antivirus software etc.

As firewall solution you can use zonealarm, they got a new vista version.

http://www.zonealarm.com/store/content/catalog/products/sku_list.jsp?frame=3

Either choose the internet suite or the free version.

ZA Pro for vista is in beta right now.

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Regarding antivirus you should consider nod32:

http://www.eset.com/products/compare.php

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Regarding spyware:

www.prevx.com or www.superantispyware.com

Tolomir

I have tried TrendMicro for about 2 years and I find it still worth it.

    Wow, this is a loaded question, mostly because it has more to do with personal opinion than anything else.  I would have to vote for Grisoft's AVG Anti-Virus here:  http://www.grisoft.com/doc/products-avg-anti-virus-free-edition/
I not only use the program because it flat-out works better (IMHO) than any other program, but their continuous support in making a Free versions for those who can't really justify paying for their Pro version.  This support is two-fold because it not only greatly increases exposure in the community which leads to more sales through word-of-mouth, but also this way new virus variants are found quicker by way of increased exposure which leads to faster virus definition updates.  The program is heafty enough (email scanner, real-time scanning, automatic updates, ect) to tackler the worse Virus, but light enough that using it correctly doesn't bog down your system (Symantic,ahheemmm).  I would have to say that most people who get infected with a virus is directly caused by the lack of updating the definition.  It won't work PROPERLY unless you update.  I've used AVG for about 5 years now and it has NEVER let me down.  With that said, they also have an Anti-Spyware program that kicks Spyware/Adware/Malware right in their proggy!  Great program, seems to catch more than Spybot Search and Destroy and Ad-aware (though both are great programs).  I USE to use Spysweeper until it really started bogging down systems that it was installed on.  What good is a program that slows your PC more than the virus itself (ahem, McAfee)?    I used Zone Alarm for a LONG time until I started using Sygate ( http://www.filehippo.com/download_sygate_personal_firewall/  ) BUT as of right now Sygate isn't compatible with Vista, so I would probably use the Windows Firewall until Sygate makes it Vista compatible.  As you probably have notice, all of my suggestions are free and I blogged about here:  http://bitsandpc.blogspot.com/2007/06/mean-green-clean-machine.html  .  Sorry for the shameless blog, but that post was important to me as I spent a lot of time writing it and teaching others how their systems get bogged down with junk  and how to clean it off.
     Lastly, you asked about file wiping.  The only program that I have used that has done an incredible job at securing and cleaning is PGP Desktop here:  http://www.pgp.com/downloads/desktoptrial2.php .  It's a free trial, but after the free trial the secure file deletion and Free Disk Space cleaner still work for the life of the product.  This IS Vista compatible.  Let me know if this helps.  Thanks.

trend micro as stated above

Please take a look at:

http://www.oo-software.com/home/en/products/oosafeerase/

O&O SafeErase 3 is THE solution for the secure deletion of sensitive data from your hard disk and offers you the ultimate protection of your private sphere. With just one click of the mouse you can securely and permanently delete files, folders and partitions.
The motives for the deletion of files are many. Old e-mail files, internet history, file cache, financial records, company information, and private files ought to be protected from other's access. The reality, however, is much to the contrary. O&O SafeErase puts a stop to this by not only deleting files, but by annihilating them with the help of recognized and recommended methods. In Windows VISTA , Windows XP, Windows 2003, and Windows 2000, O&O SafeErase will protect your computer from the unauthorized access of others to your alleged deleted files.

I also see Spybot and Adaware Personal (if not Professional) as excellent Sypware tool. This is my recommendation for my personal use as I have not noticed nor faced any problems for far.

I've seen many "top ten" lists about the best spyware program, and almost all of them said Webroot's Spy Sweeper(http://www.webroot.com/) removed the most infections on the test PCs.

Hmmm ... I would suggest another combination ...
Try using ...
1. NOD32 (ESET) as an AV system
2. Spybot S&D as a spyware remover and
3. Fix Vundo for persistant Trojans

I think this is the best combination

Regards

thsteph, you have actually just proven my point on why I don't use most anti-virus programs with your #3.  A good Anti-Virus SHOULDN'T need additional tools for removing 99.9999% of viruses/trojans and this is THE MAIN reason I won't use most Anti-Virus programs.  The ONLY reason I don't say 100% is because there is a very, very slight chance that you will be one of the first to catch a new virus that no one has a removal tool for and in that case you would have to remove it manually, or wait until a removal tool/Virus definitions are released.  I'm not picking on you, I'm just trying to state that I enjoy using one program for a specific purpose.  When you start having to keep "backup" programs around then it should tell you that maybe your existing solution isn't reliable.
     I agree with Spiritfan that Webroot's Spysweeper is an extremely good program, but it requires a lot of your system resources to run properly and since the introduction this past year of Grisoft's AVG Anti-Spyware:
http://www.filehippo.com/download_ewido/
I have not personally seen a system infected with Spyware/Adware/Malware that this hasn't cleaned (and most of the time it will remove viruses that have infected a computer as well).  I personally have used this program on hundreds of computers with success and feel very confident in recommending it to others as a one-stop Anti-spyware solution that won't bog your system down or leave you wide open.

Well notbhavn: & unfortunately, you HAVE picked me so this is my answer to YOU!!!
You want a Fast, Light, Reliable, Cheap antivirus that will do all the work for you as you said and no infections or infiltrations will occur???????
Well & Just try and find it & and if you DO find it just post the name of it so that we would be fortunate to purchase it as well!!!!!! As you said       The ONLY reason I don't say 100% is because there is a very, very slight chance that you will be one of the first to catch a new virus that no one has a removal tool for and in that case you would have to remove it manually, or wait until a removal tool/Virus definitions are released        Well & just because Im curious, do you know ANY antivirus that has the disinfector before the virus is released? And if so & how does it remove the persistent Trojans??? Well & this is what Vundo Fix does & It works behind all services and while the PC is restarting & just like S&D does. And by the way, is not an AV program. Its just a tool that is being updated daily from the author (You have to download manually the new one).
On the other hand ESETs NOD32 is lighter than Grisoft's AVG, faster!!!! than anyone else, cheap ($35 - $40) and YES & VERY SAFE as an AV system-> see VB 2006  2007 (and I dont think that VB is just another magazine). Sorry for picking on YOU but thats how it goes. I have been working with NOD32 for 3 years now and thats way I can be a bit sure about this.

thsteph, back awwwway from the coffee, put down the energy bar and breath.  I'm absolutely overjoyed that you have used the product for three years, and such should lead to your loyalty.  I could be wrong, but I think you are casting your vote for NOD32.  Well, I am voting for AVG for the reasons I have listed.  I have tested a bunch of other AV software (just finished with Avast) and MY PERSONAL OPINION is that AVG is a better product overall.  Once again, before your blood pressure boils and you kick your pc, this is IMHO.  I didn't mean to pick on you, just pointing out my train of thought.  To answer your question ("Well & just because Im curious, do you know ANY antivirus that has the disinfector before the virus is released? And if so & how does it remove the persistent Trojans???"), they are evolving a Heuristic scanner that is in several AV programs that can pickup on "virus-like behavior" to identify new strains of viruses before they become widespread.  As of now, I have been extremely please with AVG reaction to new viruses and their consistent releases of up-to-date and accurate definitions.  Have a great thsteph, didn't mean to hurt your feelings.

PS (Whatever) yes, they might developed the Heuristic scanner but you haven't actually suggested an AV that does ALLLLL the work, have you???? That's what I've imagined.

COMODO Firewall Professional----AVG or the newer AVAST Anti Virus---Adaware 2007, Spybot Search and Destroy, Spyware Terminator, SUPER Anti Spyware, Spyware Blaster,  Spyware Guard,  BHO(Browser Hijack Object(  They are all free and work on different types of crap Ware.  And They are all highly rated and work well.  Spysweeper and Counterspy are very good Paid items for cheap  Eraser is a good wiper by Heidi SW for free So is ultra wipe( Be careful)  No need to pay  Countersp[y has a built in eraser also.  All Can be had at    http://www.majorgeeks.com/  There is lots more but others have already given you that.  Spysweeper Does eat up resources and so do afew of the others mentioned above.   I too still use the SPF free edition But am trying some newer ones AOL Anti Virus is amazingly given a five star rating by The prestigios CPU magazine and the hate AOL as do I.  I have yet to try it but I will soon.  5 Stars  Good luck

Donnie616