Which antivirus?

That is a very good point. That is why I run 3 firewalls.;D

Redundancy is awesome...

 

Avast is awesome for free, but I'm really happy with System Mechanic. It does a LOT more than just antivirus.

 

I've been using avast for years now with no problems or viruses. AVG is also good but lacks some of the features that avast does with it's free version (none of which "normal" people would use anyways). Those would be my two choices. Remember:
-Never install 2 antivirus programs on the same machine. They don't play nice together. The same goes with anti-spyware that scans on demand. You're going to take a huge performance hit due to the way they interact.

 

AVG9 free version
AVG Free - Download Free Antivirus Software

I have used this exclusively for at least 10 years now, very unobtrusive and reliable, updates weekly.

edit: I added the link to the free version cause they will push you to the paid version these days if you dont know where to find the free version.

 

just get a mac!!

 

Macs are no more secure than Windows by design. They're "more secure" because there's less people using them.

By telling him to get a mac, you're ruining your own "security by obscurity"-style strategy!

 

Just install linux! ;D

 

A.K.A. a Mac without support or an interface that non-power users would like? ;D

 

A.K.A a Mac that gives you complete control(if you know how to use it) and doesn't need a computer that cost a arm and leg thats less powerful then one that cost 700 dollars less. ;D

 

It's impractical for the average person to learn to use the complete control of Linux, let alone deal with the imperfect installation process for each program and the OS itself.