Microsoft just announced plans to release a FREE anti-malware system.
(Anti-malware: covers viruses, spyware, adware, rootkits, phishing, hijacks and all the bad stuff in one awkward name.)
The free software, currently code-named "morro" -- will rollout in mid- to late-2009. Everything that they say about it sounds desireable. So if your paid antivirus subscription is going to expire in less than 6-8 months, don't renew it. Get a free copy of AVG to hold you over. You might even like that one and stick with it!
I use the free AVG myself and recommend it to everyone who will listen. That is, to all who will listen and who have a PC that can handle the load. If their PC is older and/or feebler then, these days, they need to upgrade to a paid copy of NOD32 -- the current high performer w/ lowest drain on computer "resources." (That is: least bogger-downer of antivirus systems.)
But more good news on the Microsoft "Morro" front is that it is not only free but is also designed to be high-performing but low-resource footprint. Specifically to be easy on older computers. This is great news for all the grandma's and grandpa's who have (reverse-)inherited the kids' old PC and who bought and subscribed to a hyper-hyped copy of Norton or McAfee "Internet Security Ultra-Paranoia PC to Anchor Conversion System".
A free, high-performance anti-malware system from Microsoft. Yay!
Bottom line: Do Not Renew your paid anitivirus subscription. Wait for "Morro" or fill-in with AVG.
Don't Renew Your Antivirus Subscription!