Hi people.
Im a relative neewbie to using my laptop for anything more than a spreadsheet, so now that Im at uni iv been told i need to have these anitspam n virus softwares. Iv got something called windows defender but it seems to do pretty much nothing, and something called registry mechanic which again seems to find a few things every week or so but when i delete them theres no real difference.
so my question is, are these programs really needed, and if not what would ppl recommend.

cheers for any help

Windows Defender is an XP add-on from Microsoft. I use it. I've used Adaware to clean my systems of adware. There's much hype about security these days. The best scenario for me has been to

1. Install an OS behind a hardware firewall
2. Update the OS (windows update) This will give you Windows Firewall with XPSP2
3. Download/Install Windows Defender
4. Download/Install an anti-virus (AVG free works for me)

Run a full system scan with Windows Defender. I'd stay away from registry cleaners if you are not a pro. Once a week run Defrag. Start>All Programs>Accessories>System Toos>Disk Defragmenter.

That is the basic scheme for my systems. Hope that helps.