I use AVG free version. Have been using it for more than 10 years. Never once had a virus, trojan, or "malware" issue. And it's a really good deal, as it costs nothing. :)
You can get a free edition of malwarebytes that does what you need, that is what I use.
I stopped using AVG free because I was starting to get lots of "reminders" to upgrade to the paid version. (almost one every day). I asked my computer guy and he uses Bitdefender free for the same reason; too many popups from AVG. He also uses Malwarebytes free and asks me why I would pay for something I can get for free.
My daughter uses Malwarebytes and AVG, both with the paid version.
You could put your face in a hat, look at a rock, and know the truth for yourself. Now pay the man 10%.
I just changed from Bullguard (paid AV) to AVG (Free AV)- which I used in the past. I would always recommend using malwarebytes alongside any AV you have. I also use Spybot S&D (free)
I find that a good combination; they do everything I need and I have never had any problems.
No Need for a paid version, Unless you are going for a single solution to do everything. in my experience the combination of free programs should be enough for the average user
My computer technician installed the free version of Malwarebites on my last computer. He also installed the free version of Spybot S&D. He said that no one malware program can do it all so he suggested running both programs at separate times.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/30/2016 05:19AM by summer.
I'm enthusiastic about Malwarebytes, because of their specialized rootkit removal tools (among others) that have gotten me out of a couple of serious jams for which Norton antivirus at least was totally useless.
Been a user of the paid version of MB for about 3 years, and a user of their other tools for about 6.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/30/2016 05:15PM by 3X.