Is there really a reason to buy/use internet security programs like Norton or McAfee?

Not anymore. That's why those programs are so cheap versus when there weren't any good free alternatives, cost around $50 for Norton or Mcafee. Now you can find Norton for $20, or updates for $10. The idea is that people will get those free trials which will expire pretty quick and as less saavy users, would rather pay then switch. I say google avast, avg or avira. They each have free versions and will do fine. Most computer attacks today are from the user downloading something bad or going to a bad site, so even with the best antivirus, you'll never stop those attacks.

What I do is install malwarebytes (http://www.malwarebytes.org)/ and ccleaner (http://www.ccleaner.com)/ as backups so when i do screw up, as I did earlier by clicking an ad that ended up being a home page hijacker, I just run those two and knock out what the antivirus won't catch.

Looking back at your question, if you're talking Internet security instead of just antivirus, the yes, you will get a lot of notices and found things. If you have the whole Norton Internet Security Suite installed for example, you'll get notified of threats like tracking cookies, even though you may be at a site that's safe and not care about the cookie. You be notified by the firewall whenever a program tries to use the internet, and you may even be notified by the parental control tool when you go to a site with adult content.

In my work experience, we force our users to use CA antivirus because its the only antivirus we found that didn't disturb our custom software or its SQL databases. At the same time we force them to not install the entire CA suite, which they inevitable do anyway because its on the cd, meaning the rest of the components cause the custom software to not work and there is an angry exchange when we then remove said suite and all the other conflicting software which we have written documents telling them not to install, but we were looking the other way to be nice. WAY OFF TOPIC. That's my rant.

They are both legit, but they probably not finding viruses. They are finding tracking cookies. You can set it up not to tell you if it only finds tracking cookies. You should always have anti-virus program on your computer. I like Norton Internet because it is a all in one program. But if you are not a high risk user. One who uses P2P file sharing or goes to bad web sites, then free protection is probably enough. One thing get WOT (web of Trust) or Mcafee site advisor for you web browser. Then you will Know before you go to a web page if it is good or not. Remember to keep your computer updated. I mean every thing. Java, adobe, media players.

But having a strong security suite is better than just a free anti-virus program. Many user just use a free program and don't get infected because they use their heads when ever they are online.

I'm sure that it's vary important to have a good anti virus protection. especial if what you have is your new PC . be aware that viruses is all over the place. i can't understand why some people are so neglecting about getting the bast anti virus. not just a free anti virus program or a free anti virus scan that can be dangerous i suggest to buy McAfee or norton anti virus its wort avery penny. and don't go around to download avery free software because the much from them carry viruses. i suggest you to just go with McAfee or norton anti virus and if you don't love tears from frustration be vary carefully what you download

Finding a good antivirus has always been a problem for me too.

I recently suffered a major antivirus 2009 infection. I couldn't use my computer for days. I tried everything to get rid of it, but no matter what I did, it just kept coming back stronger. I was so stressed out after spending multiple days trying to remove the spyware with no luck. I gave up and decided to throw in the towel. I called geek squad. They came and looked at my computer, but wanted $300 to fix it. I really didn't have that much, so I told them I couldn't afford to fix it at this time. The technician must have seen the frustration I was going through. Because he pulled me aside and told me how I could fix it for under $60.

He told me to go to http://www.honestspywarereview.com/

So I checked into it, and found the best product, AdwareAlert is also capable of removing Trojans.

I quickly downloaded AdwareAlert and scanned my computer. It removed my malware infection, and also a couple spyware infections I didn't even know I had.

It has kept my computer running fast, and spyware free for a couple of months now. I highly recommend it.

I would suggest you give it a shot. It worked for me. So you really can't lose.

haha typical them. no you can get a lot of programs for free and they do the same job norton and mcafee would do. they just want you to buy the full version so thats why they find virues all the time i would recommend not buying eithier of them and download ALL of these for best results and protection:

http://free.avg.com/

http://malwarebytes.org/

http://www.superantispyware.com/

yes..mcafee is free and yes..it protects against viruses and scans your pc for spy wear ..all very necessary precautions