Firefox 4.0 ''does not'' need an antivirus plugin too protect you from hazardous websites. Extensive script protection and anti-phishing are now built in. A possible replacement for Browser Defender is the LinkScanner part of AVG ( '''Not recommended''). This will scan each link before it is displayed (it actually scans the page that the link points to). This would replace Browser Defender (part of PCtools), but it slows your browsing and can corrupt your downloads. '''Suggestions:''' # Install the NoScript FireFox extension. This allows you to control which sites can run scripts on your computer, control pop-ups, frames, and other bothersome items. # Install WoT to see which sites have been marked as untrustworthy by previous users. # Install Addblock Plus and subscribe to one of the update services (the subscription is part of the installation). # Firefox 4.0 now virus scans files it downloads after the file is written to disk. Make sure that your antivirus is set to integrate with Firefox. Not all download extensions support this. # Keep Firefox up to date. As new threats are discovered, the Firefox developers respond quickly and release an update that protects you from the new threat. Consider using the automatic update option. With Firefox, Addblocker, WoT, and NoScript you do not need Browser Defender. '''Antivirus:''' The only time a need virus scanning is when a file is opened for execution. Don't allow an antivirus to scan during a download or the virus scanner can scramble the downloading file (for example, if you use AVG, re-install it without LinkScanner). Do not use All-In-One or Internet Security package, use a simple antivirus and an Intrusion Detector (such as Threatfire). For example, ESET NOD32 is the top rated antivirus, but you have to set it to exclude FireFox (and any download managers) or it can scramble your downloads. Also, turn off the "Real Time Protection" on your antivirus when you are just downloading, copying, moving or deleting files. It is impossible to add a virus threat with these actions, but antivirus programs scan the file (sometimes twice). Remember to turn the Real Time Protection back on before trying a program you have just downloaded. '''Firewalls:''' If you have a router (DSL or Cable), you probably have a firewall in the router and do not need a software firewall. If you use a software firewall, make sure it will not block connections from your computer without asking you first. The part of the firewall that blocks output from a program does not protect your computer. It protects the rest of the network when your computer has a virus. '''My Choices''' I am a cheapskate. On my home computer I only use security programs that are free for personal use. * AVG Free without Linkscanner installed (I have not yet found a real-time antivirus program that only scans when a file is opened to execute). * PCTools Threatfire (Intrusion Detection System) * PCTools Firewall Plus (the plus is a partial IDS). * Firefox with the extensions suggested above