A couple of local internet cable providers are pushing their free anti-virus/ add blocker/spyware programs included in their packages. Specifically Shaw: http://www.shaw.ca/en-ca/ProductsServices/Internet/ShawSecure.htm

and Comcast (firewall and I understand security center also for 1 year): http://us.mcafee.com/en-us/affiliates/Comcast/landingpages/default.asp?affid=108-01

So, how do these online programs compete in quality with actually purchasing the boxed versions of Norton or McAfee?

Going along with that, I use Yahoo as my email provider as web based and I prefer that over my Outlook access. They always say they are scanning the downloads sent to me. Is this very reliable?

I too use Yahoo for my email for additional virus/trojan/worm protection. Yahoo uses Norton for its email scanning. Shaw uses F- Secure, its would cost you $111.95 cdn, or 50% off that price if you use the Microsoft three steps for proection offer. It is rated very high by Virus Bulletin and is the best program at http://www.virus.gr/ . It is a full version of F-Secure. It also comes with an additional download that includes F-Secure antispyware pakage, which is a version of Adaware Plus that has full time web page protection.