tetonbob

No need to worry about asking questions. It's always better to ask and be sure.

Typically, with most paid protection products, you're purchasing a one-year subscription. Some are longer, but the subscription term is almost always finite.

The application will still function afterwards, but without a current subscription, will not be allowed to get updates. So, if you've received notice that it's going to expire soon, you'll want to address that in some fashion. There's usually a way to check on the expiration date in a security product within the application's interface. I don't use McAfee, so I'm not exactly familiar with how or where.

There are several good free products available, if you're comfortable putting together your own protection packages. Many people like the ease of a security suite, which includes AntiVirus, AntiSpyware, Firewall, and perhaps even AntiPhishing protection, so they go with the paid applications.

A good security package consists of AntiVirus, AntiSpyware and Firewall at a minimum.

If you follow the recommendations in my last post, or the link in my signature, or here....

PC Safety and Security--What Do I Need?

You'll see several recommended FREE antivirus, antispyware and firewall products.

If you're comfortable with McAfee and familiar with it, it may be best for you to simply renew the subscription.

If you want to look into comparisons of different products, this site is a good starting point:

www.av-comparatives.org

I hope that helps....