I find Avast to be good and it is free but i hear about computer viruses from everyone including my kids especially when i have to service there machines after they get one or more. I haven`t had a computer virus in years why? because i keep my operating system and antivirus up do date and watch what I'm downloading carefully. Believe it or not watching what you download is one of the best methods to not getting viruses and scanning thumb drives before you use them etc. I run an Antivirus because nobodies perfect but for the most part it`s watching what you download including anything with clip attachments in emails you do not recognize. I stress this to my kids and show them what to look for as well but any mothers and fathers out there know that kids are kids.
Avast is completely free I've been using it for years now. With Avast only the antivirus is completely free but if you want a suite of tool to go with it then it`s like $30 for a year subscription. Not a lot to ask for if you have very important data you can`t afford to lose! Not even Hitman is free pal that`s why you only get a 30-day trial with Avast there is no trial the Antivirus portion is completely free.
I liked Avast so much after using it for like i said a few years now that just got done paying for the suite of tools to go with it.
At Devils advokate ---- > I dont use antivirus programs ....... and i dont have malware problems ...... because i dont read adverts for antivirus software ...... or listen to ' experts ' . I dont know anyone that has problems with malware . The bigest malware problem that computers have is the person using the computer . Easy to get it in perspective = B-I-G ......... who here has had malware problems ? What were they ? ...... and .......Where / how did you get them ? = Big fat embarasing silence ........ why ? ....... malware is mostly a problem for morons ....... that ignore basic safety measures . Point 1 = It cant be said that all malware problems are caused by people who visit porn sites / download porn ...... or similar sources of malware ........ even people that use strict safety measures can get malware ...... BUT ........ most of it does come from sources like that = with basic safety measures there is very little chance that people have a problem with malware . Point 2 = What does it matter ? = Are people stupid enough to store things on a computer that has internet acsess !!! ? ....... and if they are that stupid they havent got backups !!! ? Point 3 = I make backup copys BEFORE my computer goes into the net ........ wich are stored on a hard disk that has never seen the internet = When i get the slightest feeling that something is ' wrong ' i dont waste time with a scan that can take hours and isnt relieable = false positives and negatives .............. I just wipe the disk and put a backup in ....... wich takes at the most 20 minutes ...... and then i ' know ' that my computer is clean ....... PLUS ....... every time an update comes out i put a clean copy in , update that , make a clean copy of it , store it somewhere safe and then go into the net = Even if i did have malware it wouldnt be for more than a month .
If you are that tech savvy and cautious about security, then why not use Linux OS from USB or with VM without bothering any of these hassles?
I would still encapsulate work, fun and secure transactions and I would still use a multi-monitor setup, all that would change is that I would need to deal with Linux peculiarities on top of my existing setup. Every time I look into Linux there is a 37 set guide to do literally anything interesting or useful and there are all kinds of issues dealing with cutting edge and/or unusual hardware. Linux is an interesting hobbyist OS with some great use cases but when it comes to "turn it on and use it", its just not there yet.
Try the free version of each high-rated AV and see which one won't slow down your PC. You can probably also avoid those with non-removable popup notifications for upgrades, etc.