Since my "insert bad words here" butt deleted it I'm making a new "updated" one for everybody. Since people are getting more and more savvy about attacking computers, networks, etc.
I'm going to list what I use and it's really not much.

For updates I use
http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/
For protection I use my own but "based loosely" on
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hosts_file
For security online I use
http://www.spreadfirefox.com/
with tons of addons since this browser allows you to "customize" everything about the internet.
I stop 98% of all scripts and active X controls so I don't get a auto install of something to track me.

For a firewall I use
A linksys router with a linux built in NAT I installed unto the router itself to track and log.

For logging I use gpedit.msc
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307882

For testing my security I go to
http://www.firewallleaktester.com/
because it shows me what's out there and how most programs don't really help but cause more problems then it should.

For testing windows security I use
http://www.grc.com/default.htm

I do use tons more but most avg online user won't have a certain clue. If I start typing bout the 7 layers of sessions, stack overflow, social engineering, proxies, etc it'll be to much unless you want.

If you use a firewall please understand that many experts now state that it really does harm then good IF you use the "allow all" functions and do not follow up on warnings, attacks, logs, etc. If you permit a port open forever anybody can scan it and use remote code execution and gain access to windows. If your operating system has flaws meaning the CORE then can't really do much. But raising the bar high enough and following through is very good.

This thread is full of good advice. Personally, I'm not completely sure about the advice against a firewall, but that's mainly personal choice I suppose.

I find this thread incomplete, though, without mention of antivirus software and the like. There are several commercial programs available which provide reasonably good protection from many "bad things" on the internet (again, avoiding many technical terms and the like). For individuals who are unable or unwilling to spend money on these commercial systems, I thought I might list some free choices available that perform at least as well as leading commercial versions (read: as good as or better than Symantec - Norton or McAffee at their individual portions).

Let the reader be aware that the following are *not* commercial programs, and are not complete suites (such as Symantec and McAffee sell). They are ordered based solely on my personal preference.

For antivirus needs (free to home users, please use only one at a time):
Avast! free - http://www.avast.com - Requires free yearly registration
AVG Free - http://free.grisoft.com - Requires free registration (I think)
ClamWin - http://www.clamwin.com - NOTE: NOT FULL SOLUTION!!! - free to business users as well - NOT AN ADEQUATE SOLUTION FOR MOST USERS!!!

For anti-spyware needs:
Spybot Search & Destroy - http://www.safer-networking.org
Ewido free - http://free.grisoft.com - free to home users


There are other tools for specific needs, but they often should only be used with care and by those who know what the tools do and how.

FULL DISCLOSURE: I am a formally trained IT Professional. I am not and have never been employed by any company or product owner mentioned in this post.

I have Norton Internet Security 2008 and Spybot Search & Destroy.

A little off-topic but, everytime I start up my pc and laptop I always get a message of updates available. And I highly doubt they're putting out updates everyday, so any idea how to stop it?

I am using Norton 360 version 4.0.

But If you want a free antivirus i hear microsoft security essentials is pretty good.

FYI, checking the date on the last post in the topic will save the forums from being inundated with dead topics resurrected from the grave...

IF IT CAN HAPPEN IN THE SIMS, IT CAN HAPPEN ON A SIMS FORUM.

True story. What is this doing stickied anyways? I'm sure most or all of the info in the first post is out of date. *shakes head*

*unstickied*

If anyone wants to work on this topic you can. I'll edit in any links to places for you.