Why anti-virus softwares are distributed free over the net?

please advice on the better ones which are 'really' free and dont have too many strings attached or need frequent updates.i have read about ''avg ''and ''avast''. plz suggest. thankx.

Why anti-virus softwares are distributed free over the net?security

I have been using the AVG / Grisoft free Antivirus software for at least 3 years and I have not had any problems or software conflicts with it. All virus scanners should need frequent update if it is going to do its job well but with AVG you can set up to update everytime you start up or specific times. As you can do with the actually scan itself.

Why anti-virus softwares are distributed free over the net?trojan

I use AVG anti virus. Its a good one and does not hog your system like Norton. My laptop is on Norton (because its a free trial version) and it really takes a lot out of your system. When the trial expires, Im switching it to AVG.

Updates are important because there are a lot of new viruses coming out. If you dont want to update then you run the risk of being infected.
avg is good and for spyware this is the best freebie. http://spywareterminator.com
frequent updates immunizes your virus scanner against the latest threats, and if you wanna avoid it, you are not getting the best protection, period.

AVG is a good one. sure i would recomend it too.
There is one called AVG Anti virus the man who builds and services my computer uses it an recommends to all his customers. It has worked very well for me.