Does a Samsung Tablet need an anti virus

[#1]

I only ask because swmbo has bought one and she connects to various free wifi points and sends/receives email as well a browsing the web
if so is it worth buying one or are the free ones adequate

[#2]

Broadly speaking, I don't think but this is worth a read

[#3]

No.
But if she's going to be connecting to WiFi hotspots i'd consider using a VPN.

[#4]

Now that will need explaining as I don't understand the relevance

[#5]

I'm guessing but I think if you're browsing on a public wifi you are in effect networked to everybody else doing the same thing. This may give other users access to files on the tablet if your OH has set up file sharing in some app. Using a VPN would make the public connection she is using more secure creating a Virtual Private Network between her and the connection.

[#6]

@Oldjim - for example if she is using Plusnet email, then her mailbox username AND password are transmitted as plain text - so theoretically could be captured and therefore hijacked. 
By using a VPN the entire connection is encrypted and therefore immune to snoopers on public networks.

[#7]

With you - now to look for a free VPN app - does anybody use Hotspot Shield http://www.hotspotshield.com/vpn-for-android or are there better ones

[#8]

Android has got a VPN(PPTP) client built-in

[#9]

Might be worth looking at Avast free mobile security: http://www.avast.com/free-mobile-security ; Antivirus and more (some features not really relevant to a 3G only tablet but still probably of some use).
I have this on all my Android devices, no problems to report, would recommend you try it at least.

[#10]

Yes, I run that on my Nexus 7.