For Windows
Use the built-in Windows Defender. It is pretty good.
If you really want to sleep well at night, buy and install the (paid version of) Malwarebytes (link to the official website). It works nicely alongside Windows Defender and will keep you reasonably safe.
For Mac
Same as with Windows – get Malwarebytes to work alongside its built-in antivirus and firewall and you’re good.
For Linux
Don’t. Seriously, don’t! Any antivirus for Linux creates more problems than it solves.
Corporate, multi-computer stuff
For corporate networks, get ESET (formerly known as NOD32) business solution that fits your use case. It works well, and it comes with a not-too-bad administration console.
Do I Really Need an Antivirus?
If you need to ask (and are not using Linux): you bet you do!
It is not about just whether you’ll need to reinstall your operating system more frequently, or even whether your data will be deleted. Think about privacy, online payments (your bank account) and similar.
What About Norton And McAfee
They used to be OK, now they suck.
Other Alternatives?
A few good ones, and a lot of crappy ones. The OK ones:
- Bitdefender
- Kaspersky
Should I Buy an Internet Security Suite?
No. It’s a waste of money.
Get a separate good VPN and other stuff you truly need, and don’t be a sucker to pay for what you don’t need – and stuff corporate pockets… which leads us to the next point:
But I Googled “Top 10 Antivirus”?!
Yes, the Net is full of shitty, affiliate shill stuff. Top 10 Lists will show you who pays the highest affiliate rates for promoting their software.