Anti-virus recommendations.....

I use Norton, supplied free by comcast - it is lighter on its feet than it used to be, I also run AVG free which is a no-no, never two AV but it works for me.

The only AV that has ever failed me big time was McAfee.

I use BitDefender Internet Security 2013, but would recommend any of the big 3:

Kaspersky
BitDefender
Norton 360

They are basically on par with each other. It becomes a matter of personal preference/comfort level. I do not recommend McAfee.

What I do recommend is buying from an online retailer like Amazon and buying a multi-year subscription. I have 3 PCs and on Amazon I bought a 3 PC/2yr copy of BitDefender Internet Security 2013. I've seen Norton 360 with a 5 PC license (not sure if t's for 1 year or 2 years).

Here's the trick: Don't pay the renewal fee when it's time to renew. Instead buy a new multi-year subscription from an online retailer. BitDefender only offers 3PCs/1yr, but Amazon also offers it as 3PCs/2yrs (for a few $$ more). The $$ savings are in the multi-year subscription.

With BitDefender (I assume this applies to the other brands as well) my subscription lets me download and install the most current version of the software as soon as the new version is available. So when it's time to renew I just buy a new 3PC/2yr copy from Amazon. Since my installed version of the software is the same as what is in the box, I only need the registration key on the CD to renew the software for 2 more years.

I use the free AVG.

As a technical support person at a college and seen it all, I would recommend Microsoft Security Essentials hands down. We use it here on over 2000 machines with no issues. I have used it personally for over 5 years. It catches whatever comes through and best part is it’s free.

MacAfee is a pig and resource hog, Norton is the equivalent of a virus.

I am sure these comments will bring on a little discussion :)

My .025

Wet Coast
I echo your sentiments on using MSE. I've been using it since it was released, and I also install it on any computer I am repairing.

Removing Norton and/or McAfee in my opinion, gives the computer a breath of fresh life. Many times when transferring files from a customers computer to my backup disc, MSE has detected a virus/worm/Trojan from the customers computer that have been running McAfee or Norton.
BTC

K Charles wrote:
I use the free AVG.

I used this for many years until I installed win 8 and now use the microsoft version.
bumpy

I have MSE installed on over 3000 machines in my school district. Not once have I had an issue with it. Seems to work very well.

A free one! I currently use MSE along with Spybot S&D

AVAST or AVG Free would be fine. You don't get significantly higher protection from a paid AV package. Both are top rated. Higher in protection(detection) than MSE according to three of the major independent security testing groups.

I used avg forever, then I got a trojan virus and avg couldn't keep it quarantined or delete it. I switched to avast, and that has deleted it.