Do we really need antivirus software?  

Hi yicheng92, i believe that anyone who has internet needs antivirus, since viruses nowadays are everywhere, fomr emails to attack sites. I actually use free editions, since i only use my computer for entertainment and school works. Anyway, people or experts advise home users to use free editions since it basically has anything we need for an anti virus. The companies and business networks on the other hand really needs a PRO version of an anti virus since it covers up more on their work.

I think it is really and very much needed, like the first aid for our system.
It's a requirement. Run anti-virus software and make sure to keep it's database of threats up to date.

Anti-Virus is allright to catch the small stuff but if an experienced intruder wants access to your PC it's no problem to pass the Anti-Virus software. Luckily most of these intruders go for higher targets like government websites etc. I believe Anti-Virus software is useful, but it's much better to learn how a cracker is working. If you get attacked there is not much your software can do for you. I will say don't depend on it that's for sure.

yup.. i do beleive every computer needs antivirus... its to protect the computer... computers dont just get virus online, it could be offline too... like conecting external drives (flash drives) to your computer that has been connected to another... and oh, as a tech support rep, we recommend to use only one antivirus to avoid conflict between the softwares that might affect the performance of the computer too

It is not just necessary to have an antivirus on system but also necessary to keep that updated so that it may check the newly comming or newly forming viruses on system.System without antivirus is like a vehical without engine,plane without wings,etc .Anyways leave it.The necesary thing is to have an antivirus softwere in system.

I've heard that too that the big name ones create viruses but if thats true then why don't I have virus alert popping up everyday? I've gotten "attack blocked" alerts but those are a rarity. Its important to have it especially if you do something like PTC or visit sites you don't know about.

Yes, you do need antivirus software. Unless you want your computer loaded with viruses and malware, and if it's serious enough, you won't even be able to use your computer. AVG isn't bad, I used it for awhile. The free ones are okay until you can afford to buy a good one, that's all I know.

Antiviruses are essential for todays surfers. We are constantly bombarded with all kinds of viruses and are exposed to a lot of different kinds of malware. Therefore it is definately essential to have anti viruses.

If you know every sites that are dangerous to browse and if you can figure out that a file is a virus then you don't need an antivirus software. Nowadays I don't think having a good habit in web surfing or someone is really careful while surfing the net is enough to protect us from virus. At least if you have a good antivirus program you are sure that everything you download in the net is safe.

Common wisdom is that you do, and true to that label it's a wise thing to do. In fact, if you have any doubt what the answer to the question is, then the answer for you is clearly, positively yes. Yes you do need to run anti-virus software, and of course keep it up to date.
Now, it may sound like I'm being a little sarcastic or facetious, and I suppose I am a little. But on the other hand, I do know people who match that criteria. A good friend of mine runs without anti-virus software. He's not a geek, but he is very internet savvy. He can get away with it because he knows what he's doing.