I just did a clean install of Windows Vista (I know it sucks but I don't have the money to get Windows 7 just yet) and I am in need of some opinions on the best free firewall and antivirus out there.  I've used McAfee for a long time but I don't have the money to resubscribe to it. 

I've checked out a lot of sites and most are recommending Comodo for firewall.  I see it aslo offers antivirus.  I guess I'll add that I've been using Spybot for awhile and the free version of Ad-Aware.  I also use NoScript and Adbock Plus on Firefox.  If you guys have any other recommendations let me know.

You get what you pay for. Don't go around whining about viruses or spyware if you go the free route. You should get one of ESET's system. NOD32 is awesome, but Smart Security is even better.

Go to www.download.com and they have a ton of free antivirus, adware/spyware removers, firewalls...  The users and the site also rates the products so it helps give you a sort of guidance on what might be the best free version.

I use spybot and avast antivirus.  I know they aren't the best but they keep my computer decently clean.  Windows Vista should have a firewall included.  XP does so I wouldn't see why Vista wouldn't...  I still use XP.

Avast is imo, the best free antivirus-program around. I recommend Comodo Firewall for Firewall :)

Windows firewall and microsoft security essentials!

Comodo for firewall, avast! for antivirus. And many seem to like Comodo's antivirus too, I suppose it can't be that bad either if you don't want a seperate program for firewall and antivirus.

Why Comodo and avast!, you might ask. Well, they are widely liked and considered pretty good. There might be something better for the same price but those two are sure bets. I haven't had a single problem with them myself. But for firewall, almost anything should do. Some even say Windows's own firewall is sufficient, and I suppose it is enough for most use.

All of these will do the basic job of AV, all except MSE have full blown better products.

Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE)

Avira

AVG

Avast

I use Sophos which is free to me as part of my employment, certainly is better than any of the above. You might also find that your company AV system is free to employees. Worth a quick check.

I just got a new computer uploaded with Norton and a free year of CA Internet Security. I have deleted Norton from the computer due to it's incessant ads and I have not even opened up the CA Security box.

I recommend: Spybot for malware and spyware, Malware Bytes, and Avira Antivir. All free.

As for firewall, I don't know as my wireless network and computer are both password protected. I have the standard Windows 7 firewall turned on.

What is the status on AVG Free nowadays? Is it still buggy where it is not updating? I loved AVG Free until AVG 8.0 where it mucked everything up and all updates had to be done manually at their website.

Never had a problem with MS Security Essentials. You have to go some these days to pick up a virus.

http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/ Here it is. There's a version 2 of MSE, and it has been very good. I mean, I'm trying to install the Beta of FFXIV and it flagged an update to the game for having adware on it >_<