I was going to let this all slide, but now I have to say something.
Virus protection is not a cat and mouse thing as the cat wins that fight 99.9% of the time. It is more of a Spy vs. Spy thing. All and I mean all virus protection software systems are reactive programs. When a new virus or security issue that can be addressed by their system is released, the company integrates detection, quarantine, and remove into their software. This is why Virus protection software is the hands down most updated software ever. As such, no can or will offer 100% protection until A.I. is created.
As such, it doesn't really matter what software you use. The real important factors are cost, update efficiency, system resource usage, interface, and additional features. Since NOD32, Avast, AVG, etc. are all free, update 2 or 3 times a week, and are all user friendly, they can only be seperated by resource usage and additional features. I will admit AVG is a bit of a resource hog compared to leaner software like NOD32 and ClamWin, but I pay that price for the additional features and easier interface.
I personally thing a what, 1 day response and fix is damn good for any company. AVG has done a great job isolating the issue and resolving it as quickly as possible. For those who had to use another PC to create a boot disc or thumb drive, sorry for the inconvenience but such is life.
Now Linux is not any more or less secure with your data than Windows. We all know that people don't create viruses for Linux because they are after the largest audience possible. It is not safer because it lives in a better neighborhood so to speak. You want to know why? Banking data, personal information, etc. are not stolen from your computer. It is almost always stolen when being transported from your computer to the server you are sending it. Tricks like phishing, false logon screens, and wireless packet stealing are by far the most used and most effective means to jack someone's personal data. A simple SSL and common sense is a thousand times more effective than "I use Linux cause I am leet". To you I say, you are crazy and you need to learn to spell.
I could go into details about the actually security built into Linux which amounts to some good and some "Windows does the same thing, but it is optional while Linux forces the issue" (Like minimum password requirements) stuff. Linux also has a user base that actually helps with exploit detection and correction.