Malware scare

I just had and interesting experience while surfing the web. It seams that somewhere along my journey I got infected with a nasty bug called Virus Scan Systems Pro. This little bugger caused me 2 days of problems but I managed to find it with the use of Malwarebyte. I had to run Malwarebyte 5 times to remove everything. This bugger mimicked a windows virus alert balloon window that directed you to a website to purchase the removal tool. It also disabled IE and Fire Fox from accessing any http site by effecting Norton firewall and blocking port 80.

Anyway now that this is resolved it brings me to my question. I have Norton Internet Security 2004 and Norton Systems Works 2006. The sub has just run out on both and before I renew I wanted to ask.

1. Is there redundancy with these. They appear to be linked. Can I delete 1?

2. Is there a better software?

3. Would Norton have caught this malware attack?

Finally, I have my PC set to auto download windows updates and let me choose to install. Can I trust that all recommended windows updates are valid and authentic or is there malware that can mimic a windows software update?

I'm running XP pro ATM.

Thanks in advance.

 

Thanks for the quick reply.

I've been using AVG on all of my other 3 laptops and 4 desk tops with little to no problems.

If I choose AVG and enable my router firewall along with regular malwarebyte scans then I'm pretty well covered?

 

Just so I have a clear understanding what your saying, are you suggesting that I use AVG WITH Spybot Search & Destroy AND SpywareBlaster AND Online Armor Free. Correct?

So 4 programs? I guess that's the advantage of Norton, to incorporate all in one?

I was hoping for a simpler solution and I certainly cant guaranty proper net behaviour rolleyes

 

Comodo Firewall and AntiVirus

is this the product?