What else does a regular PC user need besides anti virus to surf safely?
What is the difference between anti virus and firewall?

A firewall watches the traffic coming into or going out through the ports on your computer, while an antivirus (AV) watches files. The default firewall configuration is probably good enough for most users, which usually prevents unknown traffic into your ports unless you have made an exception to allow it. Configuring outgoing traffic often entails more work.

You need a real-time AV that scans files as they are opened, closed, or placed on your computer. Any of the AVs used on the Jotti or Virus Total online scanning services is probably a good AV. A few of them have a free version. You only need one real-time AV--using more than one will work your computer too hard. AVs now detect all kinds of malware--viruses, worms, rootkits, etc., so you do not need a separate scanner for spyware or adware or antimalware.

ClamWin is not a real-time scanner. It scan on-demand as you tell it to or as scheduled. You can turn ClamWin into a real-time scanner with the free Clam Sentinel program, but it is probably best left to experienced computer users. ClamWin does make a good backup scanner to a real-time scanner, but you probably do not need a back up if keep your AV updated.

Keeping your web browser (Internet Explorer, FireFox, Google, etc.) updated is more important than what brand of browser you use. Set your computer up for automatic Windows updates. Configure your AV for automatic updates and for a daily scheduled scan. Do not visit porn sites or sites pushing illegal software, and do not put personal information on social networking sites. Do not click on links in email from people or companies that you do not know. If you did not ask for something, you do not need it! Keep your AV updated, and your firewall always on.

Regards,

Bob your answers are fab! Always makes the reader satisfied . I was also having same question running in my mind about antivirus and firewall . thanks for the beautiful explanation.