Antivirus Shootout: Free vs. Fee

PC World considers the question of whether it makes sense to pay for antivirus software when many vendors also offer stripped-down free versions. Do you need a paid-for product? Maybe, say the authors. But not necessarily.

"Depending on whom you ask, paying for antivirus software is either a good investment or a total ripoff. In reality, neither viewpoint is accurate. You can find plenty of good reasons to choose a paid antivirus product, and plenty of good reasons to go with a freebie.

We teamed up with security testing company AV-Test, to find out what you get--or don't get--with free antivirus, and when it makes sense to subscribe annually to a fee-based program."