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I used McAffee and Norton in the past and got rid of both.

At this point I run Linux on my main machine and Windows 8.1 on my business and daily use PC.

Both systems are hardened, I use good passwords with 10+ character length. On the Linux machine I store my backups and private data. On my Windows workstation I use the MS security programs with automatic updates and protection enabled.

The browser settings are hardened and for online banking, ordering and other transactions I use "private browsing" or my Linux box.

My internet connection is secured with a CISCO ASA 5505 just to make sure I actually see and intrusion attempt and log files for one week if history are collected as well.

The security level on my internet connection would be over kill for most standard users but I have NAT configured to get to my cameras and I use ftp from remote.

In any case, the most important criteria is the virus definition update, real time protection and a regular scan.

Browser security is another topic and can be a challenge depending on your browsing habbits and what you actually do with it.

The most secure manner to isolate a browser session from the OS on your PC is a virtual browser. In other terms you would install a virtual OS and use the browser within the virtual OS. Configure the network settings within the virtual OS in an isolated mode and you are secure. In case something happens your host OS and private data is protected. A virtual machine (VM) can be built with minimum effort at no cost and you can actually install your basic applications within the VM as well.

For details on the OS hardening part I suggest you consult instructions provided by the OS manufacturer, MS in most cases.

If you want to test your level of security you'd need to perform penetration tests or know a good buddy with serious hacking skills.

Two things you need to keep in mind. 1. About 80% of currently known issues come from the inside of a network caused by users and/or malicious software. 2. The level of security you really need depends on your network configuration and the OS and applications you run including the configuration.
If you want to access your network from the outside get a decent firewall with logging facilities, configure it and review the log files on a regular base.
If you are a standard user and use the internet for browsing and e-mail only make sure remote connections are NOT possible, secure your OS and applications as mentioned and be good.

If you travel with your laptop make sure you get yourself up to date with common issues. A free internet connection is controlled by the entity providing it and they have the ability to monitor and record every bit you send across the network including encrypted traffic. If you use banking or other applications where you potentially transmit private information make sure the certificate on the service provider side is valid.

Long story short, evaluate what you actually have and need to do over the internet and then take the proper security measure!

Go Linux if you can. You'll save a lots of money and probably gain performance.