at the mo i have avg 8.0 full as my anti virus/security, reg mechanic + reg easy as cleaners and webroot spy sweeper. are there any other essential/good programs i should have
AVG 8.0 is pretty much the best out there (Heck, the free version is pretty darn good!).
However, NOD32 is the best.
Don't get something like McAfee or Norton. (Actually, many rumors are going around that Norton makes more then 20% of all known viruses out there. My Uncle used to work for that company, he left because of there dishonesty.)