Best ways to avoid viruses and spyware?

I have top notch anti-virus and anti spyware programs, I run a full virus scan every week or 2 (3 hours to run), and a full spyware sweep daily. Once in a while a virus or spy program gets into my p.c.. I don't download anything to my p.c and I don't look at adult sites online or limewire (loaded with problems). Any tips to help me avoid these bugs from trying to infect me?

Best ways to avoid viruses and spyware?computer security

To avoid problems:

Keep your Windows fully patched and all your software and updated by going to Windows Updates at least once a month, or set up your comp for automatic updates.

Don't use Limewire or any other P2P file sharing programs. Much of the "stuff" you can steal with it are filled with viruses, spyware, trojans and worms.

Never open any e-mail if you don't know the sender. Spam e-mail is a major virus infection vector.

Never click a link in an offline instant message, they often take you to an infected website.

Use a firewall and NEVER disable it even for a minute. Without a firewall, your computer can become infected within minutes. A firewall is your friend; it is there to protect you from hackers and malware. Learn how to configure it properly instead of disabling it, if a game or a program won't work.

Update both your anti-virus and anti-spyware every day. New malware comes out every hour of every day. An un-updated anti-malware program cannot catch the new threats.