"Best" (i.e. smallest footprint on hd) free antivirus program for netbook?

Discussion in 'Software' started by shooter, Apr 24, 2012.

  1. shooter

    shooter Private First Class

    Title pretty much says it all...

    I have a super-small solid-state drive on my netbook, so "size" is the primary consideration driving most of my software decisions.

    I get Symantec 12.1 AntiVirus for free through work, but have also used the free versions of Avira and Avast in the past.

    The netbook is running WinXP Home, and I'm familiar with chaslang's excellent "How to Protect yourself from malware!" thread... just wanted some opinions on footprint.

    Thanks in advance. :)
     
  2. Nick T

    Nick T MajorGeek

  3. shooter

    shooter Private First Class

    Thank you for the recommendation.

    I found a CNET Editors' Review of MSE (2.0):
    • Microsoft Security Essentials

    This led me to investigate Panda Cloud Antivirus, and I found a CNET Editors' Review of it, as well:
    • Panda Cloud Antivirus Free Edition


    For Geeks finding this post in a search, here are the relevant MG links:


    And the relevant Wikipedia entries:
    • Microsoft Security Essentials
    • Panda Antivirus (the company)
    • Panda Cloud Antivirus (the product)


    Microsoft's page for MSE:
    • Microsoft Security Essentials

    Panda's page for PCA:

    PC Mag's review of MSE 2.0:
    • Microsoft Security Essentials 2.0

    PC Mag's review of PCA 1.5:

    CNET article on the release of MSE 4.0:
    • Microsoft Security Essentials 4.0 ready for download/
     
  4. tgell

    tgell Major Geek Extraordinaire

  5. shooter

    shooter Private First Class

    Thanks! Guess I will look at MSE, PCA, and Avast.

    I'll compare the size of the installation package (not really an issue, and can always install from flash drive or SDHC card), as well as size on disk.
     

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