I have Norton, but have not renewed it recently...I use the free AVG most of the time, and it updates regularly & automatically.

And yes, checking mail using a program such as MailWasher...or, my current favorite, PopTray will allow you to view your waiting mail without it ever getting to your computer! You can then delete ANYTHING you do not want, spam..possible virii, etc...and then open your regular mail program. Takes only a few extra seconds, and gives a lot of peace of mind!

There are probably a dozen good, workable mail checking programs...and several regularemail programs which are much better than Outlook Express...try Eudora, Pegasus, Foxmail, Calypso...Really, folks you do NOT have to be content with what Microsoft gives you!