I applaud Microsoft's decision to include antivirus in their next update package. It's amazing how many people won't bother to download even a free version of an antivirus and, if they do won't keep it updated. Hopefully, this new pack will include auto updating. I wonder if, since Microsoft bought RAV antivirus that it will be the one included. RAV was/is one of the top 5 av programs available.

As for the upgraded firewall, I like hardware but also understand that just as many people who don't have antivirus software also don't have a firewall.

As for me, would I use the new firewall......probably not. I have a good antivirus in place, BUT if the new antivirus is RAV and comes with lifetime updates, I would be tempted to use it rather than what I've got now, which has six or seven months left on the license.