Yes there are ways to get many premium software versions which normally cost dollars - for free.
What people do to find anything from the Internet? They go to their favorite search engine (normally Google, I do this) and type "Free anti virus".
This brings them to a page containing millions of addresses/links with a title and little but attractive description.
People click on any link they prefer on that search page and go to the relevant website.
Most of the time they get disappointed because mostly those links direct them to pages where they cannot find the thing they are looking for.
It happens to me too.
The reason is, Google list all those websites because of their promotional value and interlinking techniques, NOT the initial value of the software they are looking for.
Sometimes luckily someone find a premium one out of the jungle of fluff offers.
I can say it is rare.
Only experts who know search engines well can find the right one out.
Most of the people searching for software are not experts in this field.
Therefore they download anything that is interesting without knowing that it may lead to spoil their systems.
Many attractive downloads come with malware, tracker or harmful software which hide inside the hard disk without the knowledge of the end user.
These software always harm computers.
Zone Alarm Internet Security Suite is a premium Anti virus which cost around sixty dollars.
But it is available as a free anti virus for people who know how to get it.
There is a way to get this premium version free for a year.
That is you have to go through a process of registration for some free or trail services.
As a return you can download and install this anti virus free for a full year.
Sound interesting? Yes, you can go there and get a free but premium anti virus.
You may find it if you are ready to keep your system secured for a year.