If you're like me you live with windows XP because you have to,
in an ideal world, all those games and applications you want to run would work on something more stable like Linux.
But Unfortunately because they don't, so I couldn't honestly recommend anything else for the typical PC user.
"Prepare yourself for the most reliable, secure and responsive Windows yet."
admittedly that's true it is the most reliable WINDOWS yet. Out of the box though, you would be very wise to add a few security features yourself.
I suggest that when you use windows you MUST have a virus scanner, AVG is a good low cost option as they have an adequate free edition. Like it's competitors (Viruses scanners are pretty much all the same) it can detect hostile code in any programs you might download or emails you receive for example.
You can stick with windows firewall because FINALLY, they have added a firewall, but you may want to add a 3rd party one for increased security, I would suggest getting hold of a 3rd party software based firewall (to run along with your hardware based firewall you should have already) as that will decrease your vulnerability to hackers by making your installation non-typical. Most hackers are script kiddies who will learn how to break standard configurations only.
Worth checking out are Kerio and Zone Alarm (Zone alarm has a free edition).
Call me paranoid, but I've been attacked on occasion, it only takes a bad looser to find out your IP address.
Finally the most recent modern threat is mall ware/spy ware, it grays the line between viruses and legitimate software, while mallware isn't necessarily intended to do harm, it often reports on your activities (what movies you're watching ;) ), brings up irritating pop-ups, or clutters you with links to products, or worse, advertises your email address to spammers.
The recommended remedy to this problem is Spybot S&D (again free), when most people run this their jaws drop at the amount of rubbish it removes.
These 3 things are important, but you may also consider getting Firefox (again Free) as a more secure alternative to Internet Explorer (especially if you're browsing those dodgy sites). It is far less vulnerable to attack.
Hope this short security brief intended for new users is useful to you, I didn't see much point in reviewing this product as it is your only choice. Modern Internet worms propagate by exploiting system vulnerabilities, therefore if everyone takes responsibility for their computers security, it is less likely they will spread as quick.