Anti-Virus Gets Pricier

According to this article  at PCWorld.com, the two biggest anti-virus companies, Symantec & McAfee are raising their rates for renewals. I realize that anti-virus is important, but I wonder if people know that they have other options? AVG and Avast have FREE versions of anti-virus software available for home users. I’ve used AVG in the past, but currently I’m trying Avast. I must say, I like AVG better. I absolutely detest Avast’s user interface. It’s designed as if they are trying to be some sort of cool media player instead of what it is, an anti-virus program. Do they think they’re special because it’s skinnable? Honestly, I could care less about skinning my anti-virus program. I just need it to work. The interface is not user-friendly AT ALL, and I know my way around a computer. I can’t imagine how your average joe could use it. On top of everything, by default it loads two icons into the system tray. You have to right-click one of them and choose "merge with main Avast icon" to get rid of the 2nd icon. Annoyance. Still, it’s free, and free is good. Especially if you’re cheap like me.