Low resource AntiVirus

[Tonka777]

I need to get a different antivirus for the other half's old skool Thinkpad 770x PII 300Mhz. Currently using Nod32, but thats using 40k of memory and the old laptop is starting to struggle.

Does anyone have any suggestions of a decent (well, semi decent) low resource antivirus so i can try a few out?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

[blueball]

From what I remember NOD32 had one of the lowest footprints of any AV product and if it is only using 40k I dont see how changing it will help you.

[dave87]

My first suggestion was going to be NOD32 - one of the most lightweight antivirii around.

Not ideal, but can you turn off on access scanning and just do regular planned scans?

[Splash]

Along the lines of what Dave suggested, but possibly worth looking into ClamWin? They don't *do* on-access scans, but it's free and pretty lightweight for the scheduled runs.

[Tonka777]

Thanks for the suggestions so far guys. Nod32 was using 40Mb of memory, not 40k before i turned off real time file system protection, its now using 27Mb.

I might have to experiment with a different browser and go through her services again to make sure nothing is hogging the memory. Any tips for a low resource browser?

These newer more secure applications that are using up more memory and clock cycles are a bit of a pain for people who use old equipment. The added security is obviously welcome, but there is only so much these old systems can do. Its difficult to know what to do about it!

[Blitzen]

Kaspersky = Very low

[shadowmaster]

Kaspersky = Very low

+1, Kaspersky is very good, and if you have a barclays bank account its free

[Splash]

Any tips for a low resource browser?

Lynx?

Seriously though, it's my understanding that Opera is probably the lowest footprint browser you'll get ona Windows box.

Is more memory for the laptop totally out of the question?

[dave87]

Or instead of upgrading what is effectively a very slow laptop, a cheap netbook?

[Tonka777]

Thanks, will try Opera and Kapersky next!

I think i have already maxed the ram, a massive 320Mb! I kind of agree with Dave, a new machine is needed in the long run, but she wants something that will play the Sims......

We cant say bad things about the 770X though, i bought one for £30 a year or so ago from a mate, and when the backlight went on that one, i bought another on ebay for £30. The first one just needed a battery, although it was a bit tatty, and the second one is absolutely mint and came with loads of IBM accessories, it just needed a BIOS battery so the seller thought it was broken!
Apart from newer applications getting too big for it, and the obvious lack of processing power, its a good little laptop!

[dave87]

Oh, I can't argue with the cost of them, and the build quality (IBMs are rock solid) but even a basic netbook with XP nLited onto the SSD would be quicker?

The only thing the netbook wouldn't have is the CD/DVD rom drive, but in the age of large SD cards, shouldn't be too much trouble?

[Tonka777]

A netbook or low spec laptop is definitely on the cards in the future, bit skint atm, but i have to admit its time to start looking. I'll be making posts here asking for recommendation's as soon as the time is right, you can be sure of that!

[dave87]

Sounds good - all it means is that you don't need to find a permanent solution to the antivirus problem - periodic system scans should be enough to tide you over

Oh, and aren't we all (a bit skint that is)!

[Zak33]

would you consider a fresh install of XP first?

It fills with bloat after years of use.. only a fresh install brings it back from the dead

[slypie]

The laptop is getting long in the tooth but I would suggest a fresh install of XP. If you can't do that then some system maintenance would be advisable. Download CCleaner (It's free and a very good program) and run that. It will give your laptop a spring clean and get rid of unneeded files and it will also clean your registry as well. I would also recommend defragging your hard drive. XP's defragger is crap but the same company that makes CCleaner also makes a good defragger (It's called something like defraggler).

[mycarsavw]

The laptop is getting long in the tooth but I would suggest a fresh install of XP. If you can't do that then some system maintenance would be advisable. Download CCleaner (It's free and a very good program) and run that. It will give your laptop a spring clean and get rid of unneeded files and it will also clean your registry as well. I would also recommend defragging your hard drive. XP's defragger is crap but the same company that makes CCleaner also makes a good defragger (It's called something like defraggler).

They're good, but they're destructive, make sure you know what it is you're removing before you remove it for good.

http://www.defraggler.com/ is the defrag app. Very easy to use.

To backup what Splash has said, if you have a flash drive, go here http://portableapps.com/ and download the lite version

Then run ClamWin from the flash drive as and when you feel you need it. I presume you're already browsing behind a router/firewall so unless you're visiting a lot of Russian porn sites you're going to be fairly safe.

Although, if you just want ClamWin - http://www.clamwin.com/content/view/71/1/