One of the best ways to protect your system and keep it running smoothly is to update your virus protection program regularly.
My current favorite anti-virus program is the free addition of AVG (see our link for it on the home page). I like not only its thoroughness, but the update utility is extremely easy (in fact automatic if you spend at least an hour a day online). After all, an anti-virus program can only help if it is kept updated.
To update AVG, make sure you are online, then RIGHT click on the AVG icon by the clock and click "Check for Updates".
Norton Anti-virus and McAfee anti-virus remain popular choices for anti-virus, but they have become more costly and less efficient in their implementation. One commercial virus that I do like also is PC Cillin from trendmicro.com.
Whichever virus protection you choose, make sure you update it at least once a week!
Links:
[1] https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_xclick&business=rick@yourpcpartner.com&item_name=Buy
[2] http://www.helpmerick.com/node/93
[3] http://www.helpmerick.com/node/91