Ok here is the problem. I just got a new laptop more than a week ago and I'm currently running it on Windows Vista, basically I really want to protect my computer from viruses. My question is, what's better? Purchasing an Anti-Virus software OR Downloading from the Net?.

Right now I'm not installing anything because it's a new laptop and really don't want it to crash in the first two weeks. So yeah, I'm really scared. (Seeing that my parents to kill me if i told them i killed my laptop!)

I tried Tech product reviews for cell phones, computers, MP3 players - CNET (http://www.cnet.com), but I'm still unsure if it's safe to download it.

If someone was nice to reply to this question, can you also suggest which software is cheap to purchase or the best to go for.

THANK YOU!! :)

PS. Sorry if some of you found this question really stupid, but some of these stuff I don't really take in, so yeah... SORRY for wasting your time!

I get mine from my internet service provider/telephone company. It cost me 2 dollars a month. I am super happy with it. Call your provider, they may have a product they recommend.

Yes it is safe to download from a trusted source. You can get Avast AV for free here:
Free antivirus - avast! 4 Home Edition Download (http://www.avast.com/eng/download-avast-home.html)