What anti-virus does Not eat a ton of data. i know its not McAfee

[C0RR0SIVE]

So, you are telling me, somehow, that my OS can't run multi-threaded applications with a multi-threaded processor when I know it certainly can.  Bill, you have smoked way too much MJ in your time.

As for the whole, "AV is pointless, get a MAC" you sure did buy into those Mac Vs. PC Commercials didn't ya?
http://time.com/4249413/apple-mac-ransomware-hack/

By the way, there are more attacks hitting Apple based operating systems than what you can imagine.

As for the differences between the hardware of a Mac and a desktop PC, there are no differences anymore - none, at all, what, so, ever.

They use the SAME CPU architecture, the same style BIOS (not even a BIOS anymore), same type of memory, same everything.

The difference though?  A mac tends to use mobile components, and charges a premium for what is essentially OEM with an Apple logo on it.

[Amanda]

Hi farmerhugh,

Hope that you have a good pick of the litter here - some very good suggestions from everyone. Let us know if you found one that worked for you!

Thanks
Amanda

[farmerhugh]

thanks--I don't mind paying a reasonable amount.  I'll check it out,  Just don't like all the data usage.

[farmerhugh]

do you see any advantages to the "paid Avast"

[billmiller43]

Anti-virus is like a list of convicted felons. Someone has to be "Infected" before a "Blacklist" a/v can program a "Fix". Since 1980 I have used a Mac without one problem. Just buy a used Mac like an iMac and use it for internet. Never load anything onto your PC that didn't come from a DVD from a software company.  When the first IBM XT came out, my associates and I said, "It can not be made secure". And after over 30 years, we are still correct. My PC's that I had to use as a professional, all where dumped into the trash when I retired. My 5/50Gb plan has never run out in five years. I've used 65% after 25 days now.
 I tap the space bar to "Wake up" my iMac, and in 5 seconds am using the internet. When done I put it to "Sleep" in a couple of seconds. Check it out, I haven't spent a cent on OS updates in years, and my old Mac Pro runs OS X 10.11.
 You will have a "hard time" unlearning Windows. But Apple forums have lots of friendly helpful users that are glad to help.

[C0RR0SIVE]

They also have what seems to be religious fanatics that go door to door trying to tell us about Jesus.

[BirdDog]

Amway comes to mind also.

[Gwalk900]

Bill,
Options abound ... a Mac is not the "holy Grail" of computing.
I just loaded Linux Mint 17.3 on a hard drive for my laptop.
The OS was free, the updates were free and it ran on standard hardware.

[farmerhugh]

Bill--you must have Apple stock!!!  I can't afford a Mac and i have what I can..Since the folks here have given me information that has taught me to use my data sensibly
(i have not run out since I put the information to use) i wish to keep it that way, thus my thirst to get a good antivirus protection installed.  I"m believe i'm going to install the Avast free version. for starters.  Thanks for all your help.  You'all rock!

[GabeU]

farmerhugh,

Avast is a great antivirus.  One of the best rated when it comes to catching the "bad stuff."  And it being free certainly doesn't hurt.  I used to use it before switching to the Webroot, and only then because it would sometimes do updates that weren't really amenable to the Hughesnet plan I had at the time, which was the small daily allowance.  Of course, the Gen4 makes that different now, and Avast itself may be different, too. 

That you are going to try Avast is a good idea.  it may very well be perfect for you.  Again, it's rated one of the best, even against the paid types.  You can always watch what it's using and if you feel it's too much, change to something else.  I would give it a try.  And like previously said, do a custom install so you don't end up installing all the extra stuff you don't need.

Good luck.