What is the best and cheapest( Preferably free) alternative to NIS. I have been using NIS for a while but Norton is becoming a money Grab for me. I bought NIS 2004 and it wouldn't let me install it after a third time( my computer crashed few times within few weeks and I had to clean install it). And Getting any help from Symentec is like pulling a tooth.Currently I use Free version of Zone Alarm andAntivir(Free-av).Any suggestions are welcome. Thanks All

There are quite a few free security programs available. It's hard to say which antivirus and firewall programs are the best. You may want to do some online research to determine which will work for you. Personally, I am currently using two free programs: AntiVir for virus protection, and Zone Alarm as a free firewall. These seem to work fine together. Try doing a Google search for free antivirus and free firewalls, and then check out the reviews.

Here is a test of the various firewalls that might interest you

http://www.firewallleaktester.com/tests.htm

Free antivirus programs in order of popularity are AVG, AVAST and AntiVir. For antivirus testing results check these websites out

http://www.virus.gr/english/fullxml/

http://www.virusbtn.com/vb100/about/index.xml

If you want a really good antivirus program for a free six month free trial, there is F-Secure that is available at the Microsoft three steps to internet security website. As part of F-Secure's antivirus package you get Adaware Plus to keep the spyware out. I would also highly recommend NOD32 or Kaspersky, both companies have great customer service should you need suppport or assistance.