Confusion about what internet security software is needed

I'm not sure what extra internet security NetGear was advising you needed. What you need for adequate protection is:

1) One (and only one) antivirus - I think avast! 4.8 Home Edition is a perfectly good AV.
2) One (and only one) software firewall. You already have Vista's built-in  software firewall
3) An actively running antispyware. You already have this in Windows Defender, and I personally see no need to purchase another. You should also get a couple of free on-demand antimalware scanners; more info on them here:
http://naut.homestead.com/files/Free/free2.html#On-Demand%20Anti-Malware%20Scanners

The router you use provides further hardware firewall protection against inbound threats to your network.

In short, I think you are already covered for basic protection, assuming all are up and configured properly (and speaking personally, I would avoid Norton products).

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Free security software: A primer

just to emphasize, make sure you have the programs loaded on BOTH of your computers.

for example, you indicated having windows defender (pre-included) on your VISTA system.   you can download it for free, for your XP system:

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=435bfce7-da2b-4a6a-afa4-f7f14e605a0d&DisplayLang=en

you also mentioned having ad-aware SE plus.    I know that support for AA SE (FREE) ended in Dec. '07; I'm not sure about the plus.   If you've paid for it, and if they're still continuing to offer you updated reference files, i guess it couldn't hurt to keep around.   but i wouldn't pay to renew it.   the anti-malware scanners suggested by Joe are, in my opinion, far preferable.

XP also has a firewall of its own.

Hi folks. Here's my current setup.

SuperantiSpyware for my malware scanner

SpywareBlaster

Comodo Pro for my firewall

AntiVir for my antivirus

My setup

Virus protection:Most trend micro products, avg, avast!

Spyware protection:Spybot search and destroy

Firewall:Default windows xp sp2 firewall

Backup virus protection:windows defender

Mr. Kevin,

1)  You wrote:  "Virus protection:Most trend micro products, avg, avast!"

You want to be running one, and only one, resident [real-time] anti-virus program.   rather than increasing ("doubling" ) your protection, running more than one can lead to conflicts and slowdowns --- it can, in fact, lower your virus protection!

So if you're running the above [under default installations], you need to choose only one, and uninstall the rest.

note:  I realize some people are "experimenting", by installing multiple anti-virus programs, but keeping only one running in real-time by disabling the resident module of the other(s).   if you know what you're doing, and want to perform such "testing", that's your prerogative.   but it's certainly not recommended in general.

2) windows defender is an anti-SPYWARE program, not an anti-VIRUS program.

i know, i was listing what i recommended and used over the years, this computer has been working.

Oh, i didnt know windows defender was anti-spyware.

Thank you all for your most informative comments.  It sounds as if I'm pretty well protected except for the malware.  I suppose I've gotten a bit paranoid about security since the computer got a bad Trojan bug while using Norton a couple of years ago, which is why it was recommended that I change to Trend Micro.  Each of your commentsd has helpved very much.

Sandy,

You should be able to change the "accepted solution", by removing it from my response, and adding it to Joe's.

I may be joe's biggest fan in these forums , and so, would not be at all insulted if you implement this change.

SandyC:

You are very welcome. I don't pay much attention to who gets the credit; it's more important to hear your concerns are resolved, and how, for the benefit of others. Thanks for the feedback.