BleepingComputer.com: How do you pick your Anti-Virus software?

I need a referral for a new antivirus all-in-one: firewall, storage, anti-spyware etc. I know most people go by reviews in PC World and other places, but do you guys use trial and error, word of mouth, or other sources? I just want to know what's reliable before I spend all the $$$ or sign up for something random!

No, I think you want a straight answer or you would not have asked Own experience is the best way but not worth much if you dont know so much about these things. What you have now? and why you want new? And remove $$$ signs, why not use free stuff? If you have XP spend money on Vista or 7 when it get released. Will increase your security much more - free stuff does not always equal bad quality.

I use Norton Internet Security 2009 but for convenience, auto-updates, etc. The free stuff works just as well, Comodo firewall, AVG, Avira, or Avast for an anti-virus, Windows Defender, MalwareBytes, and SuperAntiSpyware for anti-spyware. All work great, you just have to do manual updates in most cases and the programs require a little more attention. Just remember, one firewall only, one anti-virus only, and one real-time anti-spyware only, otherwise conflicts can result.

Here's my setup and it is all free programs:

Avast Home Free
Outpost Firewall Free
MBAM and SAS as on demand scanners
Spyware Blaster real time spyware , adware

Everything works well together and has kept me out of trouble.
I use the free programs REVO Uninstaller and CCleaner as my uninstaller, start up manager and file cleaners.

Dan

msqueen,

A good resource to answer your question is here in the sticky section of the SECURITY forum where you posted this. There are lists by catagory AV, anti-spyware, and all the different segements of comp security. If you look at it and have questions about certain products everyone here will gladly give you an opinion on what they like best.

Dan