OT: another question regarding my new PC

[eddief]

Do I need to purchase virus protection software? If so, what's the best budget and non-budget brand for me the basic home user?

[bikinchris]

Microsoft built in virus protection is pretty good from what I've seen,
.

[huck*this]

I echo the above. Microsoft creates the OS so they are pretty on top of the updates and vulnerability patches.

[tbike4]

Originally Posted by eddief

Do I need to purchase virus protection software? If so, what's the best budget and non-budget brand for me the basic home user?

You say you are a "basic" home user. Is that complete newb basic or do you have some knowledge for example, have you picked which web browser to use & if it's not Edge can you download and install it?
Do you know how to navigate the nasty outside world so you don't infect yourself? If you do I say no, use what comes with Windows. If you do not know anything about protecting your PC then would you know how to properly implement paid virus/malware protection?

I ask that to friends/relatives when they unbox their shiny new PC that comes with a 30 day trial of xyz virus protection. Some of them keep and pay for it but don't know what to do with it. Think mother in law for example.

In the office we manage a few hundred PCs and when we buy new ones the first thing to do is remove all the bloatware including the "free" AV software.

Learn what NOT to do on your PC. Then you should be fine. Or get a MAC.