Firewall - Antivirus/Spyware Suggestions

Just got a dreadfully funked up PC cleaned up.
http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=57540 AND
http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=60076

now finishing How to Protect yourself from malware! at http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=44525

My question is with the firewall and spyware prevention. I was finally able to update to SP2 and now have the XP firewall enabled. Should I disable it and download Sygate Personal Firewall Free, ZoneAlarmFree, or Kerio Personal Firewall as suggested instead? (post didn't address the xp version) If so, which is most recommended?

Same goes for SpyWare Prevention
Installed now is Microsoft® Windows AntiSpyware and SpyWare Blaster.

This PC needs as much protection as possible. Which would be most recommended from the last three that were suggested in that post:
SpyWare Guard, Spy Sweeper or PestPatrol?

Thanks much-
Jesica

 

I personally wouldn't use the SP2 firewall. It's better than having nothing, but there are excellent free alternatives so I can't see any reason to use it.

Agnitum Outpost, Sygate and ZoneAlarm are all excellent. There isn't really a lot of difference between them apart from user preference, but I've found that Agnitum uses the least resources.

As far as syware scanners, Micro$$oft AntiSpyware is good, as is Spyware Blaster and Spyware Guard.

No one program does it all so you will need a combination of them.

I would suggest Spybot, Adware, Spyware Guard and Spyware Blaster, as well as MS AntiSpyware.