Antivirus Firewall Software

I’m pretty sick and tired of Norton Internet Security. It’s always running and slowing down my laptop. How likely is it that a hacker will get into my computer if I don’t have any firewalls or a virus will mess up my files if I don’t have an antivirus software?

I bought a used laptop that didn’t have any virus protection, and I looked online to try to find something which was free. The software did the exact opposite of what it was intended for. Plus, I’ve used the restore option like 5 times in two days. I tried loading Mc Afee Suite but my computer just freeze up. I’m not a computer whiz, so if they can be stated in caveman terms i will be much obliged.

What is the very best antivirus and internet security software to use? I don’t mind paying for it - if it’s the best you can get, so don’t say ”get this cos it’s free”! I had had it up to here ^ (lol) with Norton Internet Security 2007 and AVG, they wont update at all and it’s driving me mad! Please let me know what to get as my laptop is quite new and I don’t want it to break! Thanks

I have used norton for my laptop and avg for my home computer. but, norton seem slowing down my laptop and avg seem fine to works with my home computer. I still confuse whether to delete norton from my laptop or not because once i did it, i can’t turn back. Can you recommend me which free antivirus is better to work on 256 mb ram?
Is it safe to download any software from download.com?
What is the differences of malware and spyware?
what happen if i use two antivirus at the same time?

I figured I could just buy it and do it myself. What is a really good one to buy? I heard Norton’s is bad. I need one that covers everything bc I definitely do NOT want any viruses or anything going wrong with the comp, esp bc I didn’t get the extended service plan with my comp………any advice???