It is criminal negligence to have a Windows PC without an antivirus installed. Well, it isn't, but it should be, at the very least. Even if we have a computer with limited capabilities or is quite old, we can install a lightweight antivirus which doesn't use much of the system's resources. In this guide, we have tested the best free, lightweight antivirus apps for old or low-end systems, for adequate safety without any annoying delays or freezes.
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Do I need a lightweight antivirus?
Most users see the antivirus as a burden for the PC. Some find it a 'necessary burden.' Others will skip it altogether, believing they will be safe if they are 'careful.'
However, the 'resource-hog' antivirus is mostly a myth, at this point. Most award-winning antivirus suites have minimal resource usage, as confirmed by official benchmarks. They should perform fine in most older systems.
The main reason to pick a lightweight antivirus is our disk capacity. A lot of low-end laptops nowadays come with minimal eMMC storage, as low as 32GB for the whole system.
In such a PC, even the frequent virus definition downloads of conventional antivirus suites can be too much for the limited disk size. A lightweight antivirus app with cloud protection can offer full protection with low resource usage and a restricted data footprint.
Panda Dome
- Support: Windows 10, 8 / 8.1, 7, Windows Vista and Windows XP (SP3 or newer version), Mac, Linux, Android, iOS
- Size: 139 MB
Panda Dome is the successor of the well-known Panda Cloud Antivirus. It is considered one of the best antivirus in the AVTest labs, and we can download it from here.
This free and lightweight antivirus uses the power of cloud computing to scan and remove viruses from our computer in real time. Furthermore, it offers a multilingual interface, for ease of use.
Panda dome can protect our USB devices from virus infection, by scanning them when connected to the PC. Also, it provides an optional free VPN to secure our sensitive transactions with a 150MB daily limit.
Finally, the lightweight antivirus includes the useful Rescue Kit, which creates a rescue unit in a USB flash drive. Hence, we can use it to remove malware on an infected computer which won't boot into the OS.
Pros
- Efficient malware detection in real time.
- We can create a rescue unit in a USB drive.
- USB device protection.
- Use of cloud computing technology.
- High rating from the AV test labs.
- Supports multilingual interface.
- Low impact on OS speed.
Cons
- We can only get technical support in the paid version.
Comodo Cloud Antivirus
- Support: Windows 7/8/10, Vista / XP SP2 32-bit / 64-bit, Linux, Mac
- Size: 96 MB
We have been using Comodo for a while in our personal systems, and we can confirm that it is a lightweight antivirus which does what it promises. It successfully tracks and isolates any threat on time, without slowing down our low-specification PC.
This software is also considered one of the best antiviruses in the AVTest labs benchmarks.
Comodo Cloud Antivirus has a particularly small installation size, less than 100MB. It also uses the company's cloud service, which makes it perfect for small storage laptops. We can download it from here.
Comodo employs a combination of methods to secure our PC. One noteworthy technology is the auto-sandbox, which performs a behavior analysis for the immediate protection of our computer from unknown and well-known malware.
When we install a potentially suspicious application, we will receive a warning at first. If we proceed, then Comodo will open it into a protective green frame.
That means that we can run it without harming our computer. This functionality is the same that we can get with a separate app such as Sandboxie.
Secure shopping is a similar function, which isolates the browser into the sandbox so that we can perform our sensitive bank transactions safely. Of course, it's not as secure as the use of a VPN, but it's better than nothing.
Best Lightweight Antivirus For Mac
The lightweight antivirus offers real-time protection by scanning our files with the Comodo cloud-based servers. Those servers contain the most recent blacklists for viruses and other threats.
Lastly, Comodo offers Rescue Disk. It's a free and straightforward tool when Windows doesn't start, and it checks for viruses from its autonomous interface.
If we had to pick one disadvantage for Comodo, that would be the extreme protection. While that sounds like a good thing, the app will isolate all applications that it won't already recognize as registered in the service, and will also provide excessive alerts.
Pros
- Excellent malware detection in real time
- Virtual desktop with an easy interface
- We can create a rescue disk for emergency
- It has a convenient widget on the desktop
- High rating from the AV test labs
- Zero impact on system resources
Cons
- The technical support is available only in the paid version
- Comodo Cloud Antivirus doesn't support Linux and Mac.
- Sandbox functions only if we have the Comodo Dragon browser installed on the PC.
ClamWin Free Antivirus
- Support: Windows 7/8/10, Vista / XP / Me / 2000 / 98, Windows Server 2012, 2008
- Size: 184.5 MB
ClamWin is a free, open-source antivirus for all Windows versions. Over 600,000 enthusiastic open-source users use it on a daily basis around the world. Also, there is a Linux version, even though Linux doesn't need antivirus.
Don't expect to see the most beautiful interface or a multilingual menu. However, it is by far the most lightweight antivirus. It may be of use to users who still have old Windows and small storage.
Pros
- It allows us to define a scan schedule.
- Automatic database updates for viruses on a regular basis.
- Autonomous virus detection and menu integration on Microsoft Windows Explorer.
- Cooperation with Microsoft Outlook to remove infected attachments automatically.
- Zero impact on system resources.
- Open-source software with a minimal size.
- Provides a Linux version and ClamXAV for macOS.
Cons
- No multilingual support
Have you tried another lightweight antivirus?
Not everyone can afford their dream PC, and sometimes we must do with an old or low-end system. However, this isn't an excuse to avoid installing an antivirus, to spare system resources.
Have you used any of the lightweight antivirus apps we suggested? Can you recommend another one you have tried? Let us know in the comments below.
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Mac systems are well-secured compared to Windows Operating Systems. However, many Mac users have complained regarding the malware attacks on their systems. If we talk about the last year, hundreds of Mac users have seen adware and malware attacks which make them search for a reliable Antivirus software. If you’ve been looking for an ideal and lightweight yet fast Antivirus for Mac system,
Following list will help you choosing the suitable Antivirus for your Mac system
Contents
- Following list will help you choosing the suitable Antivirus for your Mac system
#1. Bitdefender Virus Scanner for Mac
This is a lightweight and free Malware protection software for Mac systems. This anti-virus tool is available for Mac and Windows systems. This tool comes with a simple and straightforward user interface.
This scanner has security alert feature which alerts you with all the latest updates. The scanner keeps you up to date. The software has four buttons which lets you scan for four different locations of your system. It works effectively and scans hundreds of files in just a few minutes of time.
Apparently, Bitdefender Virus Scanner tool serves the most basic interface which lets you scan your files neatly. The tool updates the issues every hour with proper notification.
- Hourly updates automatically
- Easy to use interface
- Straightforward Security Status
- Four buttons for scanning
Download Bitdefender : https://www.bitdefender.com/solutions/virus-scanner-for-mac.html?
#2. Avast Security
Avast is undoubtedly the best and most popular Antivirus software which is widely available for Windows and Mac systems. Avast Security for Mac is available for Mac with two different versions, free version and Pro version. Pro version has a few advanced features compare to the free version.
Avast Antivirus’ Pro version offers protection against ransomware and other dangerous viruses which can damage your entire Mac system. The Pro version alerts you when your Wi-Fi network is interrupted.
- Real-time Protection against Malware attacks
- Automatically detects network vulnerabilities
- Blocks down access to harmful websites
Download Avast Security : https://www.avast.com/en-gb/free-mac-security?
#3. Avira Antivirus
Avira Antivirus is known by each PC user. It is the most downloaded software on the web which is now available for Mac systems as well. Avira comes with easy to use interface. It’s a lightweight software which offers full protection to your Mac system from dangerous viruses.
Avira’s Antivirus Software is purely designed to protect your system from Malwares. The aim behind this software is to keep your system malware-free. The tool comes with a number of easy to use options which help you to protect your system. The software is available with free version and Pro version. You can go for the testing with its Free version. Once you are satisfied with it, you can go for the Pro version which will get you a few extra features.
- Real-time protection against Malware attacks
- Offer complete protections to your Mac system
- Detects web threats and other harmful files automatically
- Simple and elegant interface
Download Avira Antivirus : https://www.avira.com/en/free-antivirus-mac
#4. Sophos Home
Sophos Home is an effective Antivirus Software which is available for Mac systems. This free software offers more features compare to other free antivirus tools.
The tool scans for defective files and other malware threats in real-time. The tool protects against known malware, viruses, trojans, worms, bots etc. It also protects your system against ransomware. This software also allows you to control the content for your children. They can only access the websites which you allow.
This tool comes with remote management which lets you manage and protects multiple devices. It also protects your microphone and monitors access to your webcam.
- Supports Parental Web filtering
- Real-time scanning for files
- Detects known viruses and malicious files automatically
- Remote management with multiple devices
- Keeps your webcam and microphone access protected
Download Sophos Home : https://home.sophos.com/free-mac-antivirus
#5. Malwarebytes
If you’ve been looking for a quick, fast and lightweight antivirus software for your Mac system, then Malwarebytes for Mac is here. Mac edition of this Antivirus tool is simple and effective which protects your system against malicious files and other web threats.
Lightweight installation makes it faster than other Antivirus tools. It scans your system in just 15 seconds. This Antivirus tool has two versions, free trial version and a Premium version. You can use the trial version with its features for 30 days. After that, you can go with the premium edition.
Best Lightweight Virus Protection
- Quick, lightweight and faster Tool for Mac
- Scans the system quickly
- Protects all online threats and alerts you for malicious files
- Removes unwanted programs
- Alerts you for Adware
Download Malwarebytes : https://www.malwarebytes.com/mac/
- Overall