Windows 7: How do i create recovery disk for new HP Laptop?

why not avast?

A lot of people say that Microsoft knows it's own operating systems better than anybody else and they have a greater interest in protecting those systems. Therefore, Microsoft Security Essentials was optimized for those operating systems. Other folks say that MSE is too basic and AVs like Avast provide more (better) user options and protection.

IMHO it's the computer user who poses the greatest threat to the computer - not the AV suite that's installed. If someone insists on going to adult sites, downloading questionable files, haphazardly using torrents, etc., the computer will eventually become infected regardless of which AV suite is installed.

For years Avast and MSE were recommended equally here but then Avast added some crapware which, also considering the nag to reactivate and upgrade every year, makes MSE more hassle-free.

Totally agree with that. It IS the User that is responsible. I run many Windows computers and have for years without any AV software installed and have never been infected with anything.
Why because I use common sense. I don't open Emails I don't know who sent them. I never open links or files in emails unless I already know what is in those links or attached files. I don't use torrents or download files from questionable websites.

same here i follow all that too except i download torrents which caution. However we human can make mistakes so thats why i use AV

There used to be a time when computers were infected to oblivion at the Windows Update site when the Anti-Virus wasn't up to date. Does that still happen? Is the Win 7 Windows Update a zero-hour exploit site?

That is just ridiculous. There was never a time the Windows Update site would Infect or Exploit your computer. I don't run any AV on any computer I own, I use Win Update, every now and then, for both XP and 7 and have never been infected with anything.