Need recommendations on security

I've a neighbor lady that has been using zone alarm (free_ and AVG (free)
without incident for some time but is wants her system set up so that
updates etc are done automatically.   She does not mind paying for the
software but I don;t know what to recommend.  (FWIW She tried Norton and
McAfee and was not pleased)

She's on Charter Cable broadband and has a high end HP computer and XP.  She
also has a 15" lap top accessing via a wireless AP.

Suggestions please and I'm open to up grades and other options as may be
appropriate.

TIA

FP