Here's what I currently do for security (and to try to keep crud from building up in the Registry)

1. Am running Microsoft Security Essentials (have tried the other freewares, and even though I didn't want to like it, MSE gives the least performance hit by far)

2. Every time I uninstall a program (and once a week anyway) I run CC Cleaner to cleanse the Registry and the detritus from programs (temp files, etc.)

3. I run SpyBot Search and Destroy once a week, and also have its TeaTimer function engaged along with passive immunization (I am also using their .hosts file to divert crapware calls)

Even thought my ThinkPad x100e (Windows 7 Home Premium) is speedy for its form factor, I want as little overhead in terms of services, etc., but not at the expense of security.

Is the SpyBot routine overkill? Ever since starting to use MSE, Spybot very seldom finds any spywares.

Any other suggestions?