I have never paid for an Anti Virus programme and have never had any viruses. At present I am using MSE (Microsoft Security Essentials)
Recently, I did get some Malware when I downloaded an up-to-date edition of Google Chrome.....a litter of 20 Pups. (Potentially unwanted programmes)
However, I have now got shot of GC and, with the aid of Malwarebytes (free edition), removed the PUPS. Google Chrome has become a pain in the posterior, so I shall Not be re-installing it on my Computers but settle for what has always been my favourite Browser....Firefox.
Hans.