Spyware, viruses, &amp; security forum: A lightweight AV for a netbook, other than Avast?

Thanks, I ended up going with AVG...

by Sunsetlover - 11/7/12 5:26 AM

In Reply to: A lightweight AV by gtoguy

...and it's pretty light on resources, even though it loads 7 processes(!), it takes up no more than 40-50 MB of memory.

So far so good.

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Answer Best answer as chosen by user Sunsetlover

So far, it looks to be NOD32.

by R. Proffitt - 11/1/12 10:37 AM

In Reply to: A lightweight AV for a netbook, other than Avast? by Sunsetlover

When you say lightweight I have to guess something that doesn't tap the machine too hard and doesn't add all that other stuff like Identity Protection, Web browser alerts and more.

For that, Nod32 comes to mind.

it won't change the basic performance of a netbook to work like a laptop but every little bit helps.
Bob

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Thanks Bob, forgot to say, FREE lightweight AV

by Sunsetlover - 11/1/12 7:03 PM

In Reply to: So far, it looks to be NOD32. by R. Proffitt

Nod32 gets some good marks here, but I'd rather stick with a free program.

Any thoughts on the free ZoneAlarm AV?

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Not much I fear.

by R. Proffitt - 11/1/12 7:32 PM

In Reply to: Thanks Bob, forgot to say, FREE lightweight AV by Sunsetlover

When it comes to free AV we use almost all of them across machines at the office and can't see any real difference. I'm sure someone will come out and state "this one is king" but for me, I won't do that as I roll the dice and the free ones all come out pretty equal.
Bob

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Does this fit the bill (no pun intended)

by timmylish - 11/2/12 8:27 PM

In Reply to: Not much I fear. by R. Proffitt

I use the free and light Microsoft Security Essentials. Works a treat.

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Re: Free and Light

by mchainmchain - 11/2/12 10:36 PM

In Reply to: Does this fit the bill (no pun intended) by timmylish

MSE may be free and may be light on system resources, but does it really provide the protection you need when you need it?

Not much good when certain malware infections can kill it dead: http://www.anti-malware-test.com/?q=node/194

Yes, I know the date is November 24, 2010, but more recent tests do not show a change in either protection or the use of a self-protection module by MSE.

Your choice to use a free antivirus program; Avast! Free does at least have a self-protection module to defend itself from malicious malware.

An inoperative antivirus offers no protection when it is killed and fails to work.

https://www.nsslabs.com/news/press-releases/nss-labs-tests-top-consumer-anti-virus-products-protection-against-new-critical

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Thanks! Interesting analysis

by Sunsetlover - 11/3/12 1:41 AM

In Reply to: Re: Free and Light by mchainmchain

Hey thanks! This is very interesting!

I wonder why NSS didn't test ZoneAlarm AV though.

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