Okay, with a new system on the way I'd like to get some help on programs to help protect it without sacraficing too much of the new performance.  New system is XP SP2, not Vista if that helps.

I'm looking for firewall, anti-virus, anti-spyware, anti-adwar, anti-rootware, etc....

I've been using two programs on my current computer....Norton Internet Secuirty 2006 and SpyDoctor.  I'd like an all-in-one program that does it all.  Been looking at a couple and would like to perferably stay away from the big two...Norton and Mac.  It doesn't have to be "freeware" either, I don't mind spending the money for something worth wild.

NOD32 was suggested to me but it looks too complicated and isn't for the basic user...my wife is going to be using this system while I'm deployed remember.    I've also looked at BitDefender 10, and AVG.

Anyone have any thoughts?

I won't recommend any one application as I believe it's up to the user to find what fits their particular needs. I will however suggest that if your system has Data Execution Prevention (DEP) available, either as harware or software, be sure to enable it.

You'll get as many answers as there are products ...... My philosophy, why pay when there's free products out there that in the experts opinions work as well as, if not better than, the expensive overweight commercial products out there.

In that light here's my recommendations.

Anti virus ..... AVG : Doesn't hog resources the same as Norton (which is unreliable update wise also) and Macafee.
Spyware scanner .... Adaware or Spybot S&D : Once again simple to use and they do exactly what it says on the box ....no more no less.
Firewall ...... if you are on broadband or cable your router/modem will provide some hardware protection but along with that I'd use the XP firewall or Zone Alarm.

If the main thing is simplicity then you can't go wrong with these products.

As many people here will tell you: Stay away from Norton, not only does it hog resources like a b*tch, but it sends information about your browsing habits/other things, that alot of people think is practically illegal. And, when it comes to removing it, you have next to no chance of getting it all off your system, the programme itself is like spyware!

The best all in one I have ever used is McAfee, I'm sorry, but it really is a case of you get what you pay for.

And in all honesty it really isn't a huge payout £49.99 for Virus, Firewall, System Cleaner etc.

Have a look at reviews on the internet