Antivirus: Do You Actually Need It? - Extended Version

(A calm, practical guide for home computers—no scare tactics, no tech jargon, no “ACT NOW!!!” pop-ups.)

If you believe antivirus marketing, your computer is always one click away from total digital annihilation.

According to pop-ups, banners, and ominous warning noises, your laptop is:

• Infected

• At risk

• Being watched

• About to collapse into a black hole unless you upgrade right now

Let’s take a breath.

This is the real, plain-English guide to antivirus in 2025—wha…