Hi Stepheno,
I don't use norton anymore, I did some time ago but found that it slowed the pc down, I'm running panda titanium anti virus plus firewall and it also has a spyware catcher, I must say that I am very pleased with this programme.
Don't know of windows defender, is it anygood? Is hijack this only used if you wan't to get rid of something specific? whats cw shredder?
Take care
John