Say what you want about anti-malware but it is a component of defense in depth, and it does help the average user. The question is less about should you run anti-malware and more about which one.
I'm going to high light 3 applications however there are many more out there.
Microsoft Security Essentials
Microsoft actually surprised me with Security Essentials when it was released. It does not have the most options but at the same time that is not all bad for the average user. I have been running Security Essentials for about 3 years and it has served me well. I am also a wee bit paranoid about what I download and use several browser plugins. Security Essentials is pretty much on or off.
- It does not appear to use too much for resources.
- It also has a setting for max allowed CPU utilization.
- It has the usual custom and scheduled scan options.
- It has the option to right-click and scan an individual file.
- It ties in nicely with the Windows Security Center / Action Center.
Sourcefire Immunet
Admittedly I have not used Immunet for a substantial and dedicated period of time. However I do like the company and it is based on the open-source ClamAV. While Immunet is specific to Windows, ClamAV can run on most any OS. For those folks that run multiple OSes this might give you more of a common feel across your devices. Immunet is also fairly simplistic in the options available, though I would say it is a bit more flexible than Security Essentials. Instead of a single on/off switch, Immunet has an on/off for various sub-components of its features.
AVG
AVG used to be the king of free anti-malware. While I liked AVG it was a bit noisy and became annoying with all the various pop-ups. AVG does offer the the most flexibility and configuration options. It is typically favored by the more experienced users.
Just a small sampling of options. Find one that you like and make it work for you.
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