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Anyone else get majorly confused when it comes to anti-virus offerings? I have three machines and they all seem to have multiple anti-virus solutions and they all seem to nag me all the time that ""xxx is expiring - you are at risk"". My desktop PC came installed with Kaspersky but somehow I get a nag message from McAfee all the time. My guess is some other application installed it. Any suggestions? Which anti-virus software do people use these days? Are any more reliable than others?

Anti virus? What is that?

If you are a fan of Consumers Reports --- Here's their recommended list of security software. Many of these packages allow you to purchase a license to install on 3, 5, 10 or more computers.

Personally, I think Kaspersky is the best for my home computers. I don't get into business PC anti-virus and security, but I know our IT group recommends Sophos.

Thanks @MichaelMcDonald and @BrianKelly

If you decide on one brand of security software for all three computers, make sure you first completely uninstall ALL anti-virus that has found its way onto your computers. You might even want to search for removal tools from each brand that is currently installed. Sometimes the Windows installer/uninstaller utility does not remove all files, DLLs, etc.

Our IT group is only using Trend Micro for business applications. I don't know what their business reasons are however. I could ask if anyone is interested.

At home, I use the free version of Avast and I use it on my mobile devices as well. I also use the free version of AVG on my mobile devices. Knock on wood, I've been virus free for forever. I'll also do a scan with Malware Bytes now and then. I also use Firefox with NoScript and AdBlock Plus. Yesterday, though, I read an article that says that NoScript is possibly subject to malware and that Firefox patches are on the way. Here at work, I have no control over the system so I trust that they know what they're doing.

Trend Micro is also the AV choice of one of my IT companies. I think they standardized on it back in the day when Norton AV was a pain to use.

Not sure in what context / applications you are using, but I find.. For Windows 7 the most Sage friendly is http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security-essentials-download For Windows 10, the most Sage friendly has been the Windows Defender that comes with Windows 10.

Our IT group has used Trend Micro for many years. Because we also do IT audits and security reviews, I imagine that is the reason.

FYI on M$ Security Essentials - you can install it on server OS: https://www.puryear-it.com/install-microsoft-security-essentials-windows-server-2012-2012-r2

Thanks all!