Hi. Just found out that not only has my McAfee expired (the subscription for updates) but I cannot renew it because it’s no longer supported. They want me to upgrade to a newer version. Problem is, yes I have a dinasour computer, none of their upgrades support Windows 98. Doing some searching on line for virus protection programs that will work with 98 and the site for avast came up. Being leary about anything that says it’s “free” I guess my questions are will it do the job, and what’s the catch?
No catch, I have been using it for almost 4 years, free.
If you feel that you absolutely must have a paid for version ;D then buy the avast Pro version.
The free version, provides the same protection (with one exception to a script blocker, works wit IE, Mozilla and Netscape browsers only) levels. The pro version is more configurable than the Home version and allows for automation of certain actions instead of requiring interactive input by the user.
Avast Home V Avast Pro differences http://www.avast.com/eng/av4_version_comp.html, you can use the Pro version for 60 days unrestricted use and choose to buy after the trial or register for the Home version which would downgrade the pro trial to Home. Now I don’t think you can say fairer than that, that there is no catch ;D
Before installing whichever version of avast you choose, download the installation file and save it on your HDD, fully uninstall McAfee, reboot and install avast. It may be necessary to completely remove remnants (it can happen), if you do see below.
McAfee has an uninstall tool that you could run to ensure any possible remnants are removed.
http://download.mcafee.com/products/licensed/cust_support_patches/VSCleanupTool.exe
You’re more one that don’t believe in serious free software ;D 
There is no catch. They hope more users, seeing the good is the Home version, upgrade to the Pro. Welcome to avast forums.
Thank you for the responses and the information. Really appreciate it.
No problem, glad I could help.
Welcome to the forums.