Purchasing security software

[PtBetsie]

I've always used free security programs but am now considering the new AVG combo. I would appreciate any opinions on the software or recommendations for other combos that I should consider. (antivirus, spam control, firewall)

[classicsoftware]

Is this for home or business use.

For AV I really like AVAST. I think it works better than AVG.

For a firewall. Kerio is the best at this moment.

I do not use an active anti-spyware program. I use Spywareblaster and I use Firefox with the NoScript extension. That along with prudent browsing has kept me spyware free.

[PrntRhd]

I prefer multiple programs for the functions, but if forced to choose a paid suite, KIS 6.0 would be the one.

[PtBetsie]

This will be for home use. I get very little spam but a friend did something I told him not to do; ie click on a "freebie" and he is being inundated. I was wondering if there was good free or paid version of anti spam ware that could help him out without changing his email address.

[Budfred]

I use MailWasher which has a free version... It allows you to screen email based on the filters you set up and download only what you want... However, if your friend is getting heavily SPAMmed now, it will only increase with time as his email address is sold to more and more lists... He may need to consider changing the address at some point, rather than wasting time sorting through SPAM for valid material each day...

[PrntRhd]

There are a few spam filters that may help with the flood:
Spamihilator
Mailwasher

Also your friend also needs to be certain to get the PC clean so personal information does not leak to the cretins who are selling/sending the targeted ads.
Having your friend post a HJT log may detect if infections are serving up this crud.