I would like to know the best antivirus software to protect my new gateway Windows XP computer. I've had a virus crash my computer before last and would like to prevent that from happening again.
Thanks in advance,
Melinda

If you are looking for Free Antivirus two of the best available are AVG and avast. (Download links for both are here)

Other good commercial antivirus software's are eTrust EZ Antivirus, McAfee VirusScan, and Symantec’s Norton AntiVirus.

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I would suggest AVG 7. It is the best and it is way better than Norton.

Personally, my favourite AV is Nod32. It doesn't consume near as much CPU as Norton does.

If you have a decent computer I would recomend Norton Internet Security 2006, it isn't free but it will do a good job of protecting you from Viruses and hackers. I have been using there suite for several years without any problems. It's also important to have a good spyware eliminator, like Microsoft Antispyware for example.

Personally, I really dislike Norton AV. It consumes too much CPU, and I could never eliminate a virus with it. As for Antispyware, I totally agree, but I prefer Spybot Search and Destroy or Spydoctor.

I read that recently Microsoft Antispyware detected Norton AV as a password stealer troyan

I had used Mic AntiSpyware and it doesn't work at all. I scanned it, and it said no spyware. But then i uninstalled it and then tried it with Zone Alarm Pro and it found like 32 spyware. So for virus protection, i say AVG 7.1 Professional, and for internet security i say Zone Alarm Pro or the complete suite.

Yeah, agree 100%. They are way better than Panda or Symantec's programs.

I've never heard of "Panda". Is it some sort of software like Zone Alarm?

Yup, but it's only known for spanish people. You can find their website here.