@reddick
If u r buying a laptop with genuine vista / 7, I wud suggest u avail the quick heal offer from microsoft wherein u get one year subscription of quick heal for rs.285/- only... at such cheap cost, it is much better than free as well as paid AV..
Their service in India is awesome n u just need to make a phone call n get ur issue sorted out.
Regarding laptops, 2 basic advices:
Do not keep it directly on ur bed.. preferably use laptop pad with fans (costs arnd rs.500-1k);
Clean the keyboard regularly; and
Do not overcharge.