firewall and antivirus,antispyware after Windows Vista expires

What choices do we have after all support ends for Windows Vista, for using or finding a "firewall" and anti-virus/anti-infection program?   Windows Vista by itself comes with its Windows Firewall, and for Vista, there has been MS Security Essentials, but if no more Vista, then no more updates to these.  I would also guess that the big name commercial security & protection software companies will also stop supporting their products for Windows Vista.

 

Would there be any good choices for free programs of antivirus and firewalls?

Dont know about firewalls, but i use Avira for my AV and im still in winXP.

Windows built-in Firewall does not need periodic updating like the OS itself. IMO it provides simple and adequate protection.

• 5 Reasons Why the Windows Firewall is one of the Best Firewalls
• Windows Firewall: Your System’s Best Defense
• Windows Firewall from start to finish

Host-based Intrusion Prevention System (HIPS)-oriented firewalls can be very confusing and frustrating for the average user since they typically generate alerts of suspicious processes and security-related system modifications (whether they come from malware or legitimate programs), blocks the action, then requires you to make a decision as to what to do or what programs to run. According to Emsisoft, HIPS are recommended for experts who can fully understand the alerts they produce and take advantage of the extra protection layer this can provide...see Are firewalls a waste of time? No. Here’s why. For the average user, the Windows Firewall is sufficient without having to learn how to use and configure advanced settings.

As for anti-virus and anti-spyware, may want to read:

• Choosing an Anti-Virus Program
• Steps for Replacing your Anti-virus
• Supplementing your Anti-Virus Program with Anti-Malware Tools

Many of the major vendors provided support for several years after the end of XP's life cycle...see here.