Which AV software has a good speed and memory usage to effectiveness ratio?

[Jamal]

 

[DarthCat]

I use Microsoft security essentials

 

[NeonNinja]

Avast (non-paid) has worked for me. By the way I think it's time to upgrade. Antivirus resource consumption is so 2005.

 

[shakes1]

MSE or Nod32, drop me a PM for more info on Nod

 

[JIMMYtheSKULL]

Always used AVG and i have been fine.

 

[Viva]

I used AVG for a long time, but the advertisement banner (to buy the paid for version) in the end got on my nerves, so I switched to MSE. MSE is really unobtrusive and resource-friendly. I'd recommend it any day.

 

[cleask]

I use Microsoft security essentials

+1. Definitely the best at the moment.

 

[hungrybeaver]

I use Microsoft security essentials

+1

Best free one out there atm.

 

[Venomous]

Thank you for the useful information.

I might try MSE. It looks like it doesn't include a firewall though.

I run Windows XP.

Is the firewall that comes with Windows XP any good? Should I also install a firewall?

MSSE is designed to run with windows firewall...

 

[LazyLion]

Thank you for the useful information.

I might try MSE. It looks like it doesn't include a firewall though.

I run Windows XP.

Is the firewall that comes with Windows XP any good? Should I also install a firewall?

Just use the Windows Firewall it is more than adequate.
If you are worried about malware getting through then as an added extra layer of security use a HOSTS file that blocks most known malware and hijack advertising....
http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.htm

 

[ugovender]

microsoft security essentials works the best so far