Antivirus, do you buy or use free downloads?

[QuarterMillionMan]

I used to always buy (ignorantly) whichever antivirus software brand offered a rebate, in effect getting the software for a low cost or free (if possible) each and every year the subscription expired up until about a year ago when I learned about the free Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE, for Windows XP/Windows 7, etc). I had upgraded to Windows 7 about a year ago at that time as well when I learned of the free MSE, I thought it was the best thing since sliced bread (lol). Last week upgraded to Windows 8 and I was pleasantly surprised that it comes with the free Windows Defender antivirus. I hope by sharing this information others might benefit and not have to purchase antivirus software needlessly and to save some hard-earned money. I cannot vouch for the effectiveness of free vs paid antivirus programs though.

[MonkeyMama]

Free AVG is the best that is out there. Definitely do not waste your money. It is most important to be vigiliant about keeping your anti-virus software updated.

[learnedcounsel]

I've tried several, but only Norton seems to be reliable imo.

[krantcents]

I tried the AVG as my McAfee program was about to expire. I found that each caught different issues. Last night I tried Microsoft security essentials and it too caught other issues. It uncovered perhaps more, but did not fully remove some. It appears that there is no perfect answer. McAfee is running a 50% off sale for their total protection ($44.99). I also use Malware Bytes to get rid of maleware.

[Jon Spiels]

Free

I've always been using free downloaded anti virus since then. Why would I avail of a paid one if I can have it for free (wise choice). But I personally don't rely on using anti virus software, I use my PC more confidently without having to rely much to my antivirus, more like knowing enough what to open, browse, click and use.

[97guns]

i gave up on windows 2 years ago for mac and could not be happier, i surf all over the place without protection with no problem

[MonkeyMama]

But I personally don't rely on using anti virus software, I use my PC more confidently without having to rely much to my antivirus, more like knowing enough what to open, browse, click and use.

Yes, I presume 99% of viruses can be avoided by just being careful. We need the software for when other people use our computer.

[DinoSaur]

i gave up on windows 2 years ago for mac and could not be happier, i surf all over the place without protection with no problem

Just to second this. I've been using various mac's for years and it definitely is the way to do for a number of reasons, including protection against malicious computer activity.

[reedda]

I use a combination of products. AVG is the best free antivirus, although I do use a paid antivirus program on my home system (because signficant other clicks on everything without prejudice). Combine that with Spybot Search and Destroy, and Malwarebytes, and you should be good.

[kobe008]

As an IT person I used to use AVG years ago when the free antiviruses started coming out. Later on I switched to Avast and later on after that I switched to Microsoft Security Essentials and it is what I recommend to anyone who asks. MSE has been ranking as the best free antivirus for a while now.

[Tharagleb]

As an IT person I used to use AVG years ago when the free antiviruses started coming out. Later on I switched to Avast and later on after that I switched to Microsoft Security Essentials and it is what I recommend to anyone who asks. MSE has been ranking as the best free antivirus for a while now.

Another IT person here, another vote for MSE.

[PrudentSaver]

I use Security Essentials. You can ALMOST get away with using nothing these days. Thanks to work from Google, Microsoft, and the other big players in AV software, most threats have moved very underground. It's truly more profitable to create a phishing site these days than it is to risk the wrath of many governments writing malicious software.

[apexecojoinery]

I used avast antivirus but it's out update so help me to free antivirus download.

[LuckyRobin]

I use a combination of Kaspersky (paid) and Malwarebytes (free). I haven't had a virus since I started using the combination.

[Harlem]

No, I don't buy, I use free downloads. I use Microsoft Security Essentials. It's really cool.