AntiVirus Software

[target7]

My laptop came with a free 90 day trial of Norton Antivirus. This is soon due to expire so i've been searching around for new software. Problem is, i aint made of money so i need something cheap or preferably a free download.

On the download front, AVG free doesn't really appeal and im leaning towards downloading the free version of Avast.

On the other hand, I noticed Norton Antivirus being sold for ?10 (around $20) in my local Gamestation Outlet (a video game shop). It was packaged and all, but is it trustworthy for such a cheap price? Especially as Norton appears to cost around ?40 online.

I am a basic home user that uses MSN, Limewire and surfs the internet alot. I don't download a large number of things. Any opinions or advice?

EDIT: Just remembered that I have Windows Defender, would this suffice once my Norton trial has expired?

 

[zeus]

I dont think you will much difference between one you pay for and you dont. Id just go with avast. I gave up on norton and mcafee ages ago with no nasty bites in the arse.

 

[Kastang]

Norton is trash.

I have been using AVG for years now, I love it personally. I don't really see a reason why you wouldn't want to use it. I have never had any real issues with it.

 

[donkey42]

AVG

AVG is ok, but when compared with Avast, AVG misses quite a few things, Avast is superior to AVG, get rid of AVG & get Avast - Avast is also FREE, as you wanted a free Antivirus (AV)

Edit:

Just remembered that I have Windows Defender, would this suffice once my Norton trial has expired?

no

Edit: Windows Defender is an anti spyware scanner & not AV

Edit: Source

 

[zeus]

tbh I agree with Donkey about avg. I have only just gone with avast after having avg for a year or so and avg just didnt seem to get rid of a few baddies which it always used to pick up.
I dont know for certain but I think avast is less of a system hog too. It doesnt seem to mine down at all.