In which I Encounter a Virus

First item of business: gryffin_draco is a goddess among mortals and should be fanned with palm leaves while sitting upon a velvet-cushioned throne and being fed the exotic fruit of her choice.  I can't say for certain that, without her, my computer would have died a slow and painful death of e-syphilis, but it was sure as hell looking that way.  All praise and accolades her way, etc.

Which leads me to my next point: obviously McAfee, despite the ridiculous price I pay for it (even when I don't remember signing up for automatic renewal, but whatever), is insufficient, even though I know what I did that caused me to get the virus, and it was stupid and I will try not to make the same mistake twice.  I know many of you are computer-oriented, and I'd like your opinion on the best anti-virus, anti-malware, anti-cootie software out there.  Obviously, I would prefer that it be free or low-cost, but I'd love to hear your best recommendations.

Secondly, my family's wireless internet signal is currently unprotected, and I know enough about the Magic Computer Boxes to know that's dangerous, but not enough to know what to do.  I know some type of firewall is needed, but -- and here you may laugh at my ignorance -- I have no idea what that entails.  Purchasing software?  Lead-lined shingles?  A poorly-reviewed Harrison Ford movie?

Anyway, I don't mean to treat you all as my own personal IT team, but I know that you all are a far better resource than, say, the average stockmonkey at the Best Buy.  Much better looking (and smelling), too! [/flattery]