Not wanting to get into a debate,Yes Final is better!
But in the same breath, I had no software issues with any of the Beta versions compared to 7 or 8 with the Final version.
My NAV subscription just ran out, only had Nortons because it was free. I just downloaded & setup Avast Anti-Virus. Avast has a bit more control for the user than AVG.
I've had much better luck with the free AV programs.
http://www.avast.com/eng/avast_4_home.html