Blu,

I've been a tech for more than ten years and seen stuff come and go. I agree with Dread and Archangel. Macs are still the most trouble-free and easiest to work on, but since you just shelled out the kilt bucks on the machine....... (Sounds like a serious machine!)

I'm not a big fan of any of the anti-virus companies marketing ploys (subscriptions, infiltrate your machine, etc...). Symantec's AV is fine, but the System Security product seems to just get in your way and slow everything down. Personally, I use Symantec Anti-Virus (only), use Ad-Aware and the Yahoo Toolbar (with spyware protection). Also download and use Firefox and make it your default browser. You still may need Exploiter for some banking sites. Also, avoid Outlook Express for your email. Try Thunderbird. (Thunderbird and Firefox are available at www.mozilla.org) The other thing is to do all the Microsoft Updates religiously.

If you are using cable, buy and install a gateway router ($30-50 from Staples, Office Depot, etc.) If you have DSL, you should already have a gateway router. If you use dialup, you don't need a router.

Depending on how often you use the machine, run both anti-spyware programs and run the virus scan monthly, more often if you use the machine alot. Backup your critical data two to four times a year and be prepared to wipe and reinstall everything every other year.

The other alternative, like Dread said, is Linux. If you are seriously interested, google for a Linux Users Group in your area. They'd love to help. You'll need their help to secure the machine. Out of the box, it may still wide open, security-wise.

Dale
Die-hard Mac User