For a beginner, what are some good recommendations for safety? Should I worry about paying for a premium anti-virus account and other safety related programs ?
Depending on whether you are a trader or holder. You will have different ways to secure your account:
For PCs to avoid being infected virus by software like keylog or virus copy stealing passwords. You should install copyrighted antivirus software (kaspersky is pretty good software)
If you are a trader, Your crypto often have to put on exchanges wallet. The best way is to install security with 2FA ( should use Authy app rather than Google Authentic)
+ Your password should add special characters like "@!%$" or "space"
+ When using Kaspersky will have a virtual keyboard
If you are a long-term holder, you own a lot of altcoin, You should buy a Ledger (Nano Ledger s)
+If you can not buy a Ledger, you can install Metemask on Chrome
+If you using Myetherwallet, you should compress your "privatekey" then install password or save them on paper.
+You should restrict using "PrivateKey". If you just check the wallet and you don't need for a transaction, just use the wallet address to see the wallet.