Best lightweight free antivirus today?

Forums › Desktop computing › Best lightweight free antivirus today?

Batman

Mad Scientist
30012 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 6217

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#193783 24-Mar-2016 09:32

I know I could be in trouble asking these questions, but as of today, what is a lightweight free AV that people recommend? This is for an anti scam savvy user. I've been using Avast free since it was released, but my understanding is it's no longer baggage free.

I've tried Windows Defender, but it doesn't talk to me enough, it doesn't appear I can control it enough, eg on Avast I can do a boot-time scan. I can turn off (not install) all their "shields" and only have "files shield", etc.

I found this but it is 2014, suggesting AVG vs Bitdefender vs Sophos. Still accurate?

JamesL

956 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 342
Inactive user

#1518823 24-Mar-2016 09:41

Probably better to look at sites like http://www.av-comparatives.org/ which produce various reports on many AV vendors.

You want to strike a balance between good detection, low false positives and good performance

2014 is a loooong time in terms of AV products so would take that PC Mag one with a grain of salt

xpd

Geek of Coastguard
14115 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 4574

Retired Mod

ID Verified

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#1518832 24-Mar-2016 10:02

Clam AV ?

XPD / Gavin

LinkTree

1101

3141 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 1143

#1518882 24-Mar-2016 11:18

joker97:Avast free since it was released, but my understanding is it's no longer baggage free.

?? baggage ?? Its full of options you may not need, untick them
It does popups all the time trying to trick you into buying the full version, no biggie , just close em.

Avira is/was quite good, but the free version has no email scanning, I guess that makes it even lighter :-)

There are tests on the PC slowdown caused by various AV's, have a hunt for that .

Just how old & decrepid is your PC that this is even an issue :-)