What are best security options for XP?

[pirahna1]

Currently I'm using Symantic Anti-Virus (my college gives it away for free) and allowing Windows Security to control it. I'm running XP SP3 Beta, and have all of the Windows Security options turned on.

When I install or uninstall any big file I'll CClean my drive and defrag. I also run Symantic once a week and LiveUpdate beforehand.
However I heard a lot about people using AVG and having better results. In BG's opinion, what should I be running? Is Window's Firewall, along with my Linksys's default firewall good enough? Should I change Virus programs? I really only want to have 1 program running in the background, so say AVG doesn't detect trojans and I would need another program for that - I probably wouldn't go that route.

Just asking because Symantic detected a trojan just now and it got me a little worried. I also browse with Firefox. Are there any recommendations on add-ons for browsing? I only use Gmail and my college's webmail, so I'm pretty good on the email front.

If this topic has been brought up already, please point me in the right direction. Thanks!

[Snowknight26]

Firewall is good enough.. might want to get a better piece of AV software though. AVG, OneCare, NOD32, Symantec corporate (not symantic), etc.

[Kiro]

Avast. Haven't had any issues with security with it EVARZ.

[pirahna1]

I have Symantic Corporate Edition atm, didn't realize there was a difference.

Is there a noticeable difference between say Symantic and AVG? Is either one safer/more secure?

[Vyvian]

I've had better luck with detection on AVG against the home user Norton- I haven't seen a lot of people with a corporate version to compare to that- its only a Antivirus though, which includes trojan detection. You'll need a seperate program for spyware protection (if you think you need it), but you'd need that with Symantec Corporate as well. From what I hear, quality of detection is very good in the corporate edition of symantec, as long as you can receive updates properly.

AVG really sells for me, because its legitimately free, so I don't take any risk recommending it clients. Symantec Corporate is nice, but you either need to buy the software, or use an illegal copy (which you may not care about doing).

Windows Firewall combined with a firewall on a router is plenty, as most infections people get they bring in themselves from "free downloads", in which case the firewall isn't really going to save you, its just going to spam warnings that the trojans you already have want to go talk to the internet.

[levish]

I've had better detection / removal with AVG than NAV home or corporate

Only annoying thing about it is that it defaults to doing a full scan daily and popup notification that it's updating / completed updating

[Kaisha]

You'll want a firewall that can block outgoing requests (re: programs trying to call home). Last I checked Windows Firewall only blocks incoming packets, which your typical router already does.
(I use ZoneAlarm for my firewall needs....but it's kinda hard to recommend it)

[Nibe]

A