Due to most of the nature of my work (computer security related), I am dependent on Windows most of the time. I stay away from IE like the plague and use Firefox (and Google Chrome) instead. For FF, I also use Adblocker, Noscript, Remove it Permanently (great for removing extraneous fluff from websites) and Edexter.

All the pc's regardless of operating systems on my network are routed through a customized Squid proxy server with restricted lists of domains and iptables running on Linux which is forwarded to two routers / firewalls then out to the internet.

Needless to say not only do I feel safe browsing the internet and stopping unwanted TCP/IP incoming traffic, web pages load exceptionally fast with all the ads, flash video etc stripped out of them.

As for Norton....stay away from this product in any incarnation. Better choices out there include NOD32 and Trend Micro.

On a related note, a couple of days ago, Martin Focazio mentioned the Google Chrome browser and he is correct.

Quote
One more thing...
Google Chrome. A good browser for today and a better browser for tomorrow.
Get it. Live it. Love it.
It's CRISP and SIMPLE.
End quote

I also really believe Google Chrome is the browser for today and tomorrow. Once they get one little bug fixed that really effects my work.....I will switch over to it full-time.