All copyright infringement aside, there is absolutely no reason for you not to have antivirus protection. You can either pay for it or not, but you can't do without it. But rather than lecture you, here's some information about what's out there today.

What can antivirus packages include?

• Antivirus scanner
• Spyware protection
• Firewall
• E-mail Scanner
• Updates and Support
• Computer Backups
• Computer Clean-up
• Online Filters

Most antivirus companies will offer bundles of these features for varying costs, the most basic of which include the virus scanner and the updates. There are usually mid-range and high-end bundles, but your antivirus protection will be the same for all levels. Most of the additional options are available elsewhere for free, so you’re paying for convenience and support when you purchase these additional features.

Below is a summary of the major antivirus companies:

AVG

AVG Technologies, previously known as Grisoft, is a Czech company that specializes in security software. Their antivirus product AVG is available in both paid and free versions.

You can download AVG Free at http://free.grisoft.com.

Symantec

The owners of Norton software, Symantec is one of the major paid antivirus companies. Based out of California, they are a Fortune 1000 company. Symantec offers a variety of antivirus, anti-spyware, and firewall packages. You can download their product at www.symanetc.com. It is also available at many electronic and department stores.

McAfee

A California-based company (and owner of the McAfee Coliseum in Oakland), McAfee is one of the major paid antivirus companies along with Symantec. They offer a variety of antivirus, anti-spyware, and firewall programs. Their homepage is www.mcafee.com.

Panda Security

Originally founded in Spain, this company a variety of security programs, including anti-virus software. Their website is www.pandasecurity.com

Trend Micro

A Tokyo-based company, Trend Micro's main offering used to be PC-Cillin, but this has been discontinued. They now offer a variety of internet security and antivirus programs.

If you are looking for free software, AVG is probably the way to go. In any case the worst thing you can do is let your antivirus program go out of date or go completely without one. Any of the above companies will provide adequate protection from viruses.