Scott,
Removing Norton products is difficult (bit like removing ticks from your dog, they usually leave their teeth behind LOL!)

If you didn't use it already there's an official Norton Removal tool here:

http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2005033108162039

I,ve been using the free avg for antivirus for about 6 months and it seems to be OK. Others I know who have been using it a lot longer seem very happy with it. I find it only slows the PC if you let it do a full system scan at the same time as you're actually using the PC.
I don't have experience with its use as a firewall - since I'm happy with Zone Alarm!

If you use Win XP you should be able to turn on Windows firewall - it'll protect you incoming, although I don't believe it alerts you to any programs trying to send stuff out from your PC, as ZA would for instance.

John