Help me protect my computer

Well i'm coming up on the one year anniversary of buying my first computer! The thing is i still don't know anything about how these things work? I currently have a gateway computer that i bought from best buy. Next month my trend micro internet security expires. I know i need to get something else or renew what i currently have. What i dont know is what is best for protecting someone who knows nothing about computers? I tried researching this but when you don't have a friggin clue about this type of thing it's like i'm tryin to read a foreign language! Firewalls,malware,spam... i don't really honestly know what this stuff is! I hoping that one of you can find it in your heart to help my dumbass! I know just by reading some of these posts that some of you guys are very knowledgable about these sorts of things. Please help! Thanks Hayden

 

Download AVG free anti-virus and Malwarebytes Anti-spam.
We recoomend this to all our residential customers.

 

go to cnet.com and download avast! free edition

 

AVG free has worked great for me. heres a link http://free.avg.com/us-en/homepage

 

Do i need to uninstall this trend micro? If so how do i do that?

 

Yes...Click your start button..go to control panel...programs and features (depending on your ver of Windows.)

 

should i do that before or after i download the new security deal?

 

Before. The installer should start automatically if you're downloading AVG.

 

I just installed "Comodo Internet Security 4.0" and am very pleased with it. It has a firewall, antivirus, sandbox, and antispyware all in one.

 

OK thanks Kevin. I'm just looking for something good. If it costs some cash thats ok.

 

ok cmack, so i really like the mac's. Do you not need this type of software with the mac.? Sorry man i'm really clueless!

 

If you have a High speed internet provider check with them alot of them provide a free anti-virus.

 

avast.com

 

I just have cable internet

 

Good information here, too.

 

Whoa Matt, information overload!

 

I know what it's like to search and find nothing... here and on the internet in general. I had that thread saved from way back, so I figured I would share.

I use Microsoft Security Essentials (on advice from a friend who works for Microsoft) and it's been great so far.

 

Cool thanks! I have found stuff but i guess i just don't fully understand what this stuff is and does?

 

Check the cable internet providers web site or call them.

I have comcast and they provide a FREE Norton (symantec) security suite.

 

Ok cool, i definately check into that! ^^^