Before I Forget

It's that dreaded time of the year again. No, not tax time, or holidays.... Anit-virus software expiration. Seems so RIDICULOUS that I have to pay to keep my machine secure from the !@#$ out there that release viruses and spyware. I guess I wouldn't have to care if I didn't conduct business such as banking etc.

I have for the past, oh, I don' know, maybe 10 to 12 years used Norton. I have been virus-free, as far as I recall, so I suppose it is doing it's job. But, is there a less intrusive, less startup-impacting software out there that does the same job? I have been using the Internet Security or 360 version of Norton, because I abhor spam. But, I also have purchased Ella for Spam and I don't think the spam feature is even working on my latest stupid Norton. So, my question to you is, do you have any suggestions on what to use? I have pondered:
Kapersky
AVG
McAfee

I think all those anti-virus companies are the ones that release the viruses anyway... it's all about job security.

McAfee does have the Total Protection for $59.99 for 3 machines, which is good because we have at least 2 to protect. So, any thoughts?