What is the best antivirus to install on a weak PC

The easiest antivirus for a weak computer is a hot topic today, because not all users have powerful PCs that are able to “pull” capacious applications. However, everyone needs it, both for windows 7 and for windows xp, because without it, high risks of malware infection remain on the device. Antivirus labs offer users many free products, but almost all of them are extremely demanding on hardware. For example, you cannot install Kaspersky on an old PC with 512 MB of RAM and a Pentium-IV processor, since you risk turning an already slow work into a painful pastime. In this case, you need a fast, but also reliable antivirus, which would be ideal for a weak PC. You can download the antivirus on the site install.download.

What should be antivirus software

When looking for a lightweight utility, the user has in mind the following conditions:

• The program should not load the PC and increase its loading time.
• The kernel should not require a significant amount of RAM.
• Ideally, it should not load the computer for calculations.

Let's look at programs that meet the above parameters and are ideal for weak computers on the Windows operating system.

Avast Free Antivirus

One of the best free utilities, which over the years of its existence has become a favorite of many Internet users. It perfectly copes with its main task and provides the most reliable protection of the PC in real time from the effects of malware. Among the main advantages of Avast should be highlighted :

• Blocking suspicious sites.
• Fast Scan.
• Easy to use.
• Automatic game mode.
• Behavior screen (allows you to track and block the activity of suspicious applications).
• Suitable for all Windows OS.

However, like any other antivirus program, it has a habit of skipping malware. One of the main advantages of Avast is its system requirements, thanks to which it is suitable for old and weak computers:

• RAM - 256MB.
• Required space - 1.5GB.
• 32-bit and 64-bit systems are supported.

CASE NOD 32

Popular among users, incredibly lightweight and easy to use antivirus with rich functionality. Suitable for all devices, regardless of the manufacturer. Advantages :

• Checking any archives and files.
• Complete ad blocking.
• Search for malware.
• Convenient and clear interface.
• Provides secure Internet access and protects against phishing.
• Email scanner for threats.

Minimum system requirements :

• RAM – 128MB.
• Required space - from 1GB.
• Windows 8 support.

The only drawback is a long check, but it is offset by a number of significant advantages. If you still do not know which antivirus is better to install, then you can safely install this software.

360 Total Security

A lightweight antivirus that provides optimal protection. It performs a number of functions that protect the PC from the effects of malware. Full functionality is available in the free version. It provides protection at all levels :

• Elimination of OS vulnerabilities.
• Complete and fast check.
• System Restore.
• Garbage cleaning.
• Optimization of autostart services, applications and plugins.

As for the system requirements, they are ideal for a weak laptop:

• RAM - 512MB.
• Processor - 1.6GHz.
• The required disk space is 600MB.

Total Security is suitable for all versions of Windows OS, including Windows 10.

Panda Antivirus free

Perhaps, according to many, this is the best free option for a slow PC, which provides a high level of protection even on older devices with poor hardware. It works only in cases where it is necessary, without loading PC resources just like that. Panda provides its users with :

• Real time protection.
• Search for threats.
• Minimum resource consumption.
• Parental control service.
• Advanced mode of use.
• Website filtering.

If we talk about the minimum requirements, then they are as follows :

• Processor - Pentium 3.
• Free space - 250MB.
• RAM - 128MB.
• Works only on Windows OS.

By installing Panda on your computer, you will get an effective virus detection and elimination system. You will have access to a valuable range of useful and convenient features that will allow you to fight against any threats as effectively as possible.

AVG AntiVirus Free 2017

Another lightweight and reliable antivirus that does not require powerful hardware. Provides basic PC protection against the latest threats, including while you are active on the Internet. Its main advantages :

• 6 scan levels

• Detailed threat analysis.
• Web screen and blocking of malicious sites.
• Several levels of protection.
• Web screen and email scanner.
• Blocks insecure downloads.

All this makes AVG a reliable protector of your computer. Designed for PC with the following requirements :

• Intel Pentium – 1.5Ггц
• RAM - 512MB for Windows XP and 1024MB for Windows 10/8/7.
• Free disk space -1.3GB.

In the new 2017 version, the system performance requirements have been slightly increased, so for older devices, it is recommended to use the 2015-2016 release.

Norton Security

Comprehensive antivirus for a weak computer with a trial version for 30 days. It has 5 levels of security, including its own firewall and behavioral analysis technology. In the new versions of Norton, performance has been raised, the energy saving system has been redesigned, which allows your PC to work as quickly and as long as possible. Among the main advantages should be highlighted :

• One service to control all devices.
• Protects against spyware, viruses and Internet attacks.
• Blocks dangerous sites and downloads.
• Helps locate stolen or lost devices.
• Lightweight and fast.

Minimum requirements :

• Processor - 1GHz.
• RAM - 513MB
• Free disk space - 300MB.

Thanks to the support of Windows and Mac OS X, it can be installed on any computer or laptop, and Android and iOS mobile platforms are also supported.

Comodo Internet Security

A well-recommended  free antivirus that is suitable for weak computers and consumes less memory than the previously reviewed Norton. It protects against both file threats and from the Internet. After downloading this program, you will receive an antivirus with a firewall and a behavioral blocking system. That is, not a single virus will be able to get into the OS of your PC. Its advantages are the following :

• A spyware scanner that allows you to scan local drives and the registry for threats.
• An improved firewall will stop viruses before they enter the system.
• Filtering and blocking sites with suspicious content.

In addition, it has the following system requirements :

• RAM - 256MB for Windows XP and 384MB for newer versions.
• Free disk space - 210MB.
• Processor - 1.5 GHz.

All this makes Comodo a simple but effective antivirus that is suitable for PCs with any hardware.