text: should i pay for norton or other security systems, when there are free one available? i am constantly being asked to renew my security system that came free with the computer.  the renewal costs money, naturally. don't buy norton!  it will slow down your pc!  there are several free antivirus programs and some very good pay antivirus programs.  the link below is a link to pcworl.com that has ranked the top antivirus programs pay and free.  pcworld.com says that bitdefender is the best pay antivirus.