I know a lot of people who trust their expensive equipment to the free software these days. I don't, have been a Norton user 10 yrs now but partly because I understand once starting with it, getting all of it out to replace with another isn't necessarily for the faint hearted :) I think Avast free version is one often suggested on the computer help forum - might depend on which operating system you are using though because I see free Microsoft Security Essentials mentioned more too. You might ask there, tell them your computer age and if you have XP, Vista, Windows 7...They could tell you if the program is enough standing alone or if you should add anything like a malware or spyware program too. Nice people there. Here is a link that might be useful: Computer Help

grandms Your input is just as appreciated and welcome as everyone's! I saw where Zep and Raven had already posted and I thought that the chances were good that they would return to the thread. I value everyone and their answers equally. 8)

AVAST has always done that it tells you in the install directions that you will need to click the register button and it will email you the code number which you just enter into your AVAST program super easy, it last about a year then you just do it again and get a number and it is good for another year. Never had it ask me to buy anything or email me anything other than my code. Free registration see right on the front page where you down load it are the directions and how to do it. Plus on the left side there are the 2 pdf files I suggest everyone read or print to have handy, it gives all the info on how to set up AVAST and how to use features including the screensaver scan feature.

@harry_wild "know that in order to prevent a new virus or malware for your on going service; you have to get it from Microsoft in the first place!" You keep stating this, but provide no evidence. Why don't you provide some proof of it, if you think it's true. Just stating something doesn't make it true. . @ wolfie46 "Is there any problem running AVG and malwarebytes at the same time on a computer with windows 8.1?" Shouldn't be any problem. Although it would probably be a good idea not to run scans by each, at the same time.