Jody -

If you got one virus, you'll likely get another before long. You really do need an AV program on your machine, and you do need to keep it up to date at least weekly.

Although I prefer Norton to others I've tried, there are some that you can get free via download; but you also have to look at whether the "free" one you us keeps up to date with the "popular virus of the day."

If you want a "free AV," find a recommendation in one of the other threads here, or get one from someone who knows that a particular one works. The "popup" offers you see while you surf, that tell you "you may be infected" and offer to "protect you," quite often are loaded with viruses and/or spyware.

John