Hello,
I was previously using EZ armor (free from Maine RoadRunner) and I just spent the last couple days troubleshooting then re-installing XP.
Now I have a clean slate with nothing on this PC. Can anyone recommend how I should approach setting up this system? Anti-virus, firewall, HJT to keep track of what's on it so far (almost nothing, kinda sweet - I even installed only XP not original HP disks w/ all kinds of junk)
I would really love to keep this old machine in secure operating order, as I use it for work, just performing simple web-browsing to make ebay listings, and shipping labels. I would most like to keep this business info secure, so I am not the source of any problems.
Thanks for the help in advance!
Tom

Check out this thread for suggestions:

Freeware Replacements For Common Commercial Apps

A few that I like:

AVG Antivirus
AVG Antispyware
SuperAntiSpyware
Comodo Firewall
Spyware Blaster
Spybot - Search & Destroy

Recommended reading:
Simple and easy ways to keep your computer safe and secure on the Internet
How did I get infected?, With steps so it does not happen again!
The Hosts File and what it can do for you