I certainly would call them 'popular choices for free software', and not full of spyware and other nasties, but to say they are the best, well that would be a lie.
The best personal firewall on the market: Tiny Personal Firewall.
The best personal Anti-Virus software on the market: Nortons AV 2004.
Almost nothing has gotten past this pairing and for less than $150.00 I consider it money well spent.
Considering a clean up can run you $200.00 (including some tools to prevent reinfection) easy, and look at the grey hairs I saved!!
J.
j e r u v y a t y a h o o d o t c o m