If are using zone alarm it may slow your PC. Try Outpost Firewall http://www.agnitum.com/products/outpost or Sygate Firewall http://www.sygate.com/ both have FREE and Pro versions and are heads above ZA.
Misc.
IE Spyads SpywareBlaster Spyware Guard
Windows Update- you must keep updated, it is the start of a secure system-
get all CRITICAL Updates
Things you want(Still Free)
I use Firefox PR1 and IMHO, beats the sox off MS Explorer. Life is good with tabs. Click the link and give it a try.
Ad-Aware
Spybot S&D
Misc.
IE Spyads SpywareBlaster Spyware Guard
Windows Update- you must keep updated, it is the start of a secure system-
get all CRITICAL Updates
Things you want(Still Free)
I use Firefox PR1 and IMHO, beats the sox off MS Explorer. Life is good with tabs. Click the link and give it a try. Ad-Aware
Spybot S&D
Mike Lin's Homepage and get the Startup Control Panel and Startup Monitor tools.
-SWI Forums-
...and let me add these personal observations:
Yes, Linux or Mac have fewer problems, but some of us don't have that option, so remember that the first line of defense is to keep your OS updated. Really.
Don't use IE except for sites that refuse other browsers. I like Firefox, some folks like Opera, but even that old copy of Netscape you have on a free disc will probably give you less grief than IE.
Use a hardware firewall. Most modern LANs and some digital modems feature them.
Use a software firewall- so you'll know when your PC tries to "ET phone home!"
Keep your antivirus updated and use antispyware scans. FWIW, Microsoft's ( revamped Giant ) new freeby caught stuff ad-aware and search & destroy had missed.