You should NEVER run a computer (even a Mac) without effective anti-virus software installed. Even in these days when everyone, apparently, knows they should have current anti-virus software installed I still come across clients whose computers are riddled with malware and whose anti-virus software expire months ago.
Just a few days ago a neighbour brought me his laptop. He had two anti-virus programs on it (a big no-no, as they fight each other) and both had expired. I ran my favourite anti-malware program across it (malwarebytes) and then superantispyware and then malwarebytes again. I then ran ccleaner. It took me over 3 hours. Fortunately he’s a good neighbour so he didn’t get a bill. My clients aren’t so lucky – bills wing their way across the ether and land in their in-boxes!
I won’t name the most popular security suites, but I’m not a fan. Many are memory hungry and make enticing targets for malware writers who know that if they can disable or defeat them their nasty infections can make their way onto your computer.
I prefer some of the less well known, less memory hungry and generally more effective anti-virus software. One of the best (I have an IT colleague who has sworn by it for years and nothing anyone else says will make him even try anything else) is the Eset security suite. If you’d like to do as my colleagues does and protect your computer effectively you will find an eset review and coupon here.