m18 R1, no antivirus software?

Usually you can select the option to add anti-virus when building the system but it does look like they've omitted this with the m18. You can try speaking with a sales rep and I'm sure they can add the option for you. 

There are many people (including me) that prefer not to have pre-installed anti-virus but you should be able to have the option. For the past 10+ years I've only used free anti-virus and never had an issue. A lot of it depends on what sites you like to frequent. 

For several years now, Windows has come with built-in antivirus/security software, which is activated by default on every installation -- Windows Defender.

You may want some additional malware protection (the free version of Malwarebytes works well), but you do not need one of the antivirus suites at all.  The larger ones (Norton and McAfee) are so invasive they very often create more problems than they solve.  

@mattyb3​     Thanks matty.  I have checked with Dell in detail.  I looked at a Precision 7780 also which offers build options incl McAfee.  Dell have advised that, even if you purchase the McAfee option (or select the free trial option), it still means I have to log into the internet with NO internet security, log into email with NO internet security, log into the Dell digital locker with NO internet security. Then finally when McAfee has been activated, I actually have internet security.  So there's still a window for hackers, phishers, scammers, and other bastards out there to get into my pc.

@ejn63​   Thankyou ejn.  I didn't know about Windows Defender so will look into it more. 

I would definitely want Norton or something as the internet now seems to be so full of nasty people wanting to attack computers.  I have Norton on another laptop and yes there are various pop ups etc. but that's better than my laptop being successfully attacked.

@Fred's Questions​ It's really not as bad out there as you may think. Phishers and Scammers need you to give them access into your computer so it doesn't matter what anti-virus you have. Hackers don't really target individuals and the odds of them going for you are so incredibly small. Malware/viruses are usually obtained from visiting dodgy websites, you won't get these from doing any of the tasks you mention above. If you don't click on strange links or downloads sent by random people then you'll usually be perfectly fine. 

I haven't had paid anti-virus for well over 10 years and I've never had an issue. They can be almost as bad as malware as they bury themselves deep in your system.