Solved Do I really need McaFee or any Third - Party Software?

So I recently updated my subscription for McAfee and I'm about tired of the $60 chargers. So I'm wondering if a third-party anti virus software is necessary? If it is are there any good free anti virus programs?

Thanks,
Justin

Desktop or Laptop? : Desktop
System Manufacturer/Model Number: Acer
OS: Vista Home Premium 32bit
CPU: AMD Sempron(tm) Dual Core Processor 2300 2.2GHZ
Motherboard: N/A (don't know how to access)
Memory: 3.00GB
Graphics Card(s): NVIDIA GeForce 9200
Sound Card: Realtek High Definition Audio
Monitor(s) Displays: LG W2353(Analog)
Screen Resolution: 1360x768 (32bit) (60Hz)

Use what most of us a the forum use. The FREE
Micorosoft Security Essentials
and the
free Malwarebytes for a weekly scan

We are not allowed to say that these are better than the paid software, but most of us have knowlege about the various software and we use the free ones that I mentioned.

But

In today's world you MUST use something.

I concur about using a free alternative compared to paying for it but you must have something especially if you are connected to the internet.

Thanks for the quick responses, so just to be clear I can just use the free essentials and Malwarebytes instead of a Third Party software?

Yes and your protection should be just as good. When you uninstall Mcafee go to their website and use the uninstall tool.
Most here just use the two that I mentioned.

I agree with Rich on using MSE free AV along with Malware Bytes.
Also use MS Firewall and another free program called SupeAntiSpyware (SUPERAntiSpyware.com - Downloading File)

Just make sure you use only one AV and Firewall as your default software.
Have a great week-end and enjoy safe computing.
THW

Ok thanks for your help guys, I'll bookmark those websites and download them when my McAfee goes out!

Thanks for the help,
Justin

Before you install MSE, make sure you uninstall McAfee correctly ( How to uninstall or reinstall supported McAfee consumer products using the McAfee Consumer Products Removal tool (MCPR.exe) ). If you don't, you will get a lot of troubles.

In addition to an AV program I highly recommend you get into the habit of imaging. Here is one option: Imaging with free Macrium - Windows 7 Forums It works the same for Vista.

I used to answer at Yahoo Answers, was no.2 for the longest time for USA Leaderboard for Security, I have since quit the site and have come here where the askers are real and the helpers are polite.
I used to use McAfee as it came with Comcast, but, i found out that it was not nearly as good as the free of MSE from Microsoft ( they finally got one program that works most excellent ) . However , to remove the McAfee , you need to use the removal tool for it, as another helper indicated. To prove how good MSE is , i was in sandboxie and i clicked a link, ( i also use paid version of Malwarebytes Antimalware ( MBAM), and MSE stopped the malware while i was in sandboxie before Mbam even knew it was there. So, i was most impressed with MSE at that pt.
Security is a layered approach, as no anti virus will detect 100 % , though some will come close.
I use MSE ( free ) , paid MBAM, free superantispyware, free sandboxie, I use Firefox browser with numerous security add on's .
I use free scanners that check a site out , better than WOT or any other community based rating . Check out free of these : virustotal.com , urlvoid.com, ipvoid.com.
I use many more free tools to see if a site is safe , Wish you the best and stay safe out there. :D

An once of prevention equals a pound of cure (or something like that).