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Thread: Need a "lean" free anti-virus program

  1. 10-03-2009, 08:05 AM #1
    BarryS
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    Question Need a "lean" free anti-virus program

    I'm working on a friend's laptop with a AMD 1500 processor (794Mhz), 256MB RAM (will be upgraded to 512) and Windows XP Pro. It's fine for simple apps and surfing the web, but it needs a lean running anti-virus program. It was loaded with Norton Internet Security 2007, which is a resource hog on any PC so I took it off and immediately improved its performance. I put AVG Free 8.5 on it instead, but even that AV program is seriously hampering the laptop's operation. The culprit with AVG is its Resident Shield component.

    Can anyone recommend a free and simple "anti-virus only" program that will run lean and do a good job for my non-techie user?

    Thanks,

    Barry
    "There is a difference between knowing the path and walking the path." - Morpheus
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  2. 10-03-2009, 09:24 AM #2
    Train
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    Avira Free is what I use on my laptops.
    http://www.free-av.com/

    Now you need to clean up behond Nortons and AVG.
    Norton Removal Tool

    http://service1.symantec.com/Support...05033108162039

    AVG Remover

    http://www.avg.com/download-tools
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  3. 10-03-2009, 03:39 PM #3
    BarryS
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    I'll give Avira a try. As for cleaning up NIS and AVG, I've already down the former and I'll make sure to do the latter.

    Barry
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  4. 10-03-2009, 05:23 PM #4
    rmanet
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    The Norton removal tool is a little unreliable - if you're comfortable you may need to also view the registry for Norton, Symantec keys.

    Will have to look at Avira; our corporate solve was Sonicwall and MacAfee, so when I get the occasional virus I still have to use Malwarebytes, SuperAS to go in and clean the machine. Wouldn't hurt to install them for future use.

    Use AVG free on 6 comps at home and it outperforms Norton and McAfee everytime and has been pretty reliable all things considered. Not nearly as bloated or invasive as the others.
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  5. 10-03-2009, 05:28 PM #5
    rmanet
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    Nice review of AV comparatives here
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  6. 10-11-2009, 11:28 PM #6
    Blacksunshine
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    I think avast home edition is quite nice as well. Seems to find about 40% more baddies than AVG does plus auto update for virus definitions & program updates are a nice touch. Also it runs better + uses less system resources than AVG. I haven't used Avira yet. but if u want a great free AV for a basic user...Avast is the best choice in my opinion
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