What are the best anti virus and firewall programs out there?

Preferably something that is free, or not many hundreds of dollars, that also isn't affiliated with major computer/software companies, independent.

Thanks!

Eset NOD32
Kaspersky
AVG(free)
SpyBot Search & Destroy(free)
Zonealarm Firewall(free)

And if you have a router then you don't need a software firewall.

i use zonealarm and avg8 both free editions.

and common sense! thats the best tool.

also i think most people use their pc with a user account with admin priviledges... unless necessary this really isnt very good practice. use a normal 'user' account unless you actually need to be logged in as admin and for fucks sake make sure you actually have a password set for your admin account.

And if you have a router then you don't need a software firewall.

While technically accurate, a software firewall (well, most software firewalls) can be set to filter traffic based on the executable that tried to initiate the connection. This can be useful if for some reason you need to place your computer in a NAT zone or a DMZ.

Eset NOD32
And if you have a router then you don't need a software firewall.

A router will not stop outbound communications, made by viruses that give someone else control of your computer. A software firewall will. Regardless of whether you're behind a router or not, a software firewall is a good additional security measure, that can prevent a lot of damage if, for some reason, your AV fails and lets you infect your computer.

AV recommendations:
Avira AntiVir
AVG Free
AVAST

Firewall:
Sunbelt Personal Firewall (full, or limited free version)
Jetico v2.0

I'd recommend Sunbelt for the typical user. If you want a lot of control, and the ability to specify many packet filtering parameters, try Jetico.

I bet you soul flayer runs like a jerk.

While technically accurate, a software firewall (well, most software firewalls) can be set to filter traffic based on the executable that tried to initiate the connection. This can be useful if for some reason you need to place your computer in a NAT zone or a DMZ.

I really, really hope that your working an awesome job.

This (http://www.clamwin.com/), this (http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-vista/default.aspx) and this (http://www.microsoft.com/security/malwareremove/default.mspx).

But you don't need those, if you have this (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Education).

Srsly, the best way to detect and get rid of a malware on win is regmon, filemon, a file integrity checker, a sniffer, a debugger, and a Linux live cd. (optionally a disassembler and hex editor)

ClamWin? Sounds scientologist.

I've got Norton Protection Centre and Spybot at the moment. I am using Vista.

Clamwin "sounds scientologist"? What the fuck?

You don't need antivirus OR a firewall if you have THIS. (http://gnewsense.org)