A free AV that only runs when i start it

I am looking for a free anti virus program that only scans specific files when i want it to, basically i want to just check downloaded files before i install them by scanning them individually, i dont need something running all the time. I know avg has some resilient processes that can tax my system and im a nazi when it comes to hogs.

Any programs or guides that could help would be great!!

Thanks

 

You could try McAfee AVERT Stinger:

http://majorgeeks.com/McAfee_AVERT_Stinger_d4063.html

 

http://www.majorgeeks.com/ClamWin_Free_Antivirus_d5544.html

 

I would stick with AVG or Avira Antivir.

Turn off the on-access scanning engines, which should throttle the background processes. This isn't a great idea though -- the whole point of having though on access scanners running is to stop a virus before it does any damage

 

All the main free antivirus apps have the option to turn off real-time active protection, and they have options to scan only certain files and folders. I use Avira AntiVir and it also integrates into the right click menu so I can right click on any file or folder and scan it. I think most other antivirus apps integrate into the right click menu also. As suggested above, you really should leave it running in the background at all times. However, I have some friends that are online gamers and they turn off their firewalls and antivirus apps when gaming. Along these lines, Norton has released a Gamer's Edition of their virus protection utility that is low on resources.
Links:
Avira AntiVir: http://www.majorgeeks.com/Avira_AntiVir_Personal_-_Free_Antivirus_d955.html
Norton 2009 Gaming Edition: http://www.majorgeeks.com/Norton_AntiVirus_2009_Gaming_Edition__d6078.html

 

Thanks guys, I installed clamwin and scanned my computer it picked a few entries, ComboFix.exe: Pua.Hideexec FOUND (im not bothered as i thinks its safe as i used this in tutorial of this site...

Also found "C:\WINDOWS\system32\USER32.dll: Worm.Pinit-4 FOUND" not sure about this one but i spose my issue is this program (clamwin) tells me there's a virus but cant do anything about. Is there a free program I can now squash the the threat with... I am considering avg and avira but if I can use clamwin and another small application to detect and destroy it would more suite my needs.

 

Why not do a free online scan?
http://www.kaspersky.com/virusscanner

There are others out there if you prefer not to use the one I've linked to.

 

I am happy with clamwin as a scanner, is there an efficient way of dealing with any virus or similiar once I have found it? Thanks