I use Firefox plus the NoScript addon. Honestly, NoScript can be kind of a pain because you have to manually allow websites to run scripts to get certain kinds of functionality. For example, I can read GardenWeb without allowing it, but it doesn't track which posts I've read, and it doesn't let me log in or post. Since GardenWeb itself seems safe, I have it allowed. (Obviously, since I am posting this!) But I don't allow the SEVEN other scripts that want to load when I am on GardenWeb. On lots of other sites, it's like this - you can usually see the main content without enabling anything. But if you want to post, comment, login, etc., you have to allow one or more scripts. The great thing is that NoScript but it blocks virtually all ads and pop-ups. (Ad companies hate NoScript!) Soo...I am not seeing these popups and ads everyone is talking about. I am not getting kicked off the forums, either. NoScript also blocks click-jacking attempts, mouseover malware, automatic redirection to other webpages, javascript-based malware, etc. You can customize it to allow as much functionality as you want for known safe sites. You can also temporarily allow a website that you're checking out, and it will take that site off the approved list as soon as you close Firefox. (Temporary approval is what I usually do - I only permanently approve sites I visit often.) Getting NoScript was a real education to see all of the spyware that even "reputable" sites employ to track your web browsing, searching, and shopping habits. And since you don't know what all of these scripts are, who owns them, and what data they're collecting, you really don't know whether they're tracking personally identifiable information (setting you up for identity theft). After seeing all of that, I won't run a web browser without a script blocker again! I also use Microsoft Security Essentials. It's free and isn't a system-hog like most AV programs. (I can't tolerate AV software that ties up a large amount of system resources.) I am not saying it's perfect protection, and NoScript takes some user intervention, so it's not "set it and forget it." But I like it and think it provides pretty good protection. It's like putting an alarm system on your car - a determined thief can still steal it. But generally thieves (and virus writers) can find plenty of easier targets.

Dawn, thank you so much. I also thank your son. We use Cox Cable - they are our provider for the internet, televisions, and telephones. Their security system is free to those who use them, and it is call Authentium, but I cannot find any discussion groups or forums that discuss them. Nortons and Webroot are expensive, and Webroot interferes with my running the computer. When we bought our new computer, we had Circuit City install everything for us, and they installed these programs too. The guy there said that I should never put anything free on the computer because nothing is ever free. He said that few people read the small print during the installation process, that they just keep clicking continue or ok. But in the small print, you agree to allow them to give or sell your name to others. That is why you get many programs coming to you that you don't want. Has you son ever mentioned that? I know many people who use the free programs, and nobody else seems to be aware that they sell information if you subscribe to the free stuff. Sammy

Maybe read the whole article rather than just the mindset gossip of one employee who was probably chastised. You made it clear in the past you are a genuine Norton Fan. Update - 12 October Microsoft has issued the following statement in response to the publication of this article: "We are committed to protecting our customers, and our Microsoft antimalware solutions provide strong, comprehensive defence against malicious code and attacks. We believe in these products and are proud of the protection capabilities we provide to well over 150 million computers worldwide." Here is a link that might be useful: cnnMoney - McAfee ... in Canada This post was edited by mikie on Thu, Jan 9, 14 at 2:58

Randy, Thanks for your reply...really appreciate your taking the time to do that. I do have Firefox set to clear all private data upon closing the browser, and am glad to hear you have confidence that it does so. I have an older version of Window Washer and it does the job on IE, but it doesn't contain the option to add Firefox. I understand that newer versions do. I hadn't heard of CCleaner, but you have me curious now so I may check it out. Thanks again for your help Hal