Compatible free AV for Win8

Hey folks! I just got this HP 64bit with Win8.Just wondering if someone can point me in the right direction. It has a free trial from Norton pre installed but I won't be keeping it. Any suggestions?

 

Windows 8 comes preinstalled with free antivirus.

 

Thanks for that info. So adding Avast or BitDefender would not help? I had a rude awakening after being informed by our state that their system had been hacked. Would you advise to beef up or leave as is?

 

I leave it as-is, because I am content with MSE (renamed Defender in Win8). Mind you, I don't ever get malware of viruses because I am very careful.

So really it is up to you.

 

Avast, Bitdefender are considered lower rated. As for your state having their system hacked, Anti-virus/Malware does not protect from that, it is your Firewall, and also depending on how they have the first layer set up, whether it is Juniper, Cisco, or another company's equipment. State governments have always been considered in being lax in maintaining their network security, due to they do not have the time, resources, or allotted funding from the state elected at their Capitol.

Best network security I have ever seen, was at the Call Center for what used to be Cingular, which ATT invested millions in creating and protecting the internal LAN.