Maximum PC

If you do not yet have a firewall installed on your system, it's time get one.
Seriously, internet security is an important factor in keeping your data safe from malicious attacks from viruses, worms and spyware. A good firewall will help eliminate these threats, and I suggest that you use a one/two fold system. Consider a hardware based NAT solution for high speed (Cable, DSL) users as your connection is "always" live. Then also install a software based firewall that will scan for OUTGOING traffic - the best defense is an "onion", having layers of security. If you are a dialup user, a the software firewall is all you need.

Kerio Personal Firewall
Zone Alarm
Norton Internet Security
McAfee Intrusion Protection

This is just a friendly reminder to update your Anti-Virus.
New definitions come out often, and if your AV supports automatic updates it's recommended that you turn them on. Go here for the direct downloads to a few popular AV Programs:

AVG Anti-Virus Solutions
Computer Associates
Mcafee Anti-Virus
Norton Anti-Virus
Trend Micro

Spy/Malware is another concern: What it is and how to prevent it
Spyware removal tools:
Ad-Aware SE 6 Personal (free)
Spybot – Search & Destroy (free)

<Mr Burns voice> excellent

I'd like to voice my opinion now that the creators of Zone Alarm should be drug out into the streets and shot.

...and we have another software we have completely different opinions of.

No issue with ZoneAlarm free version for me, numerous installs. Hey, if it isn't killing my parents computer, it can't be all that bad...

nice

You... just wasted a post. "nice" is it?


I don't even know what's "nice".

If you have a spare machine, I recommend Smoothwall.

It requires a dedicated computer, as the installation automatically formats and installs (it's linux based).

It has a nice web interface, is easy to get up and running, and I've been using it well over a year with absolutely no problems at all.