[trackball02]

I have a dedicated home theater - Music Server PC  that I use excursively for the following
1. JRiver MC 19 for playing ripped CDs, downloaded music and DVDs.
2.  Google Chrome primarily  for Mog, Hulu Plus and Amazon Prime for music and audio.
3. Windows Media Center for over the air TV and DVR.

Currently, I'm running Norton Internet Security, but it seems to always pop up a mini-screen stating that it is working in the background while the system is idle. But, in reality, it is not (such as decoding FLAC while using memory play with JRiver). I'm always concerned that Norton can cause sound degradation. My PC has a core i3 CPU, 8 GB RAM and a 2TB drive.

My Norton subscription will expire this month. I'm wondering if anyone has experience with an anti-virus software that runs non-obtrusively and does not constantly suck up memory and CPU resources. Thanks.

[Gzerro]

I wouldn't use anything. It doesn't sound like you are using the htpc for much web browsing or email, so your risk is very low. Just be thoughtful of what you download.

The free Microsoft security essentials is fairly low overhead if you really feel the need.

[bladesmith]

Kaspersky, search fleabay for a deal.

You cannot beat it.

[apollophono]

When I was using Windows many moons ago I used ESET Nod 32.  It
was/is a great antivirus program and was endorsed by a Windows
enthusiast and blogger.  It was the least intrusive (background
operation was not resource hungry) and most effective.  I used it many
times to clean up other friends computers.  May want to do a google
search on "best antivirus program" and read up.  Things may have
changed since then. 

[toddbagwell]

I'm running microsoft's security essentials on my music server.

todd

[steve in jersey]

Yes running Microsoft Security Essentials should be all you need.

Having targeted your computer as your "HTPC" you might want to consider getting an iPad,additionally, to
use for most of your "non-HTPC" online purposes. Another "perk" of adding an iPad is they are constantly
adding apps that allow you to use it as a remote control for numerous electronic components.

It's really a lot more convienent to just keep your iPad with you to take care of whatever daily online tasks
you may have. Using a cell phone for anything else but as ..I don't know...a phone ???, has never interested
me . I use a mini, the screen size is sufficient for an "buzzard" like me.

[trackball02]

Thanks for the tip about MS Security Essentials. My understanding is that it's free as well?

I also have an ipad and a PC laptop hooked into the same wireless network for emails, etc. I agree about the remotes with ipad. I'm using it to control my Squeezebox Touch, very nice app.

[Gzerro]

Thanks for the tip about MS Security Essentials. My understanding is that it's free as well?

I also have an ipad and a PC laptop hooked into the same wireless network for emails, etc. I agree about the remotes with ipad. I'm using it to control my Squeezebox Touch, very nice app.

Free - you can download here:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security-essentials-download

[Big Red Machine]

Kaspersky, search fleabay for a deal.

You cannot beat it.

2nd that.  I have had zero issues with it in 3 years now.  Moved on from Avast and never looked back. 

[trackball02]

Thanks everyone for all of your help. Great info and fast replies, without the drama that I have seen on other discussion boards 

[Nick B]

Kaspersky is the best I've ever used. Have had it now for about 5 years   

[bladesmith]

A few of my friends are hackers, they use Kaspersky.  I wouldn't use anything else.

[trackball02]

I just bought Kaspersky today.
By the way, what's the chance of downloading a music file that has a virus, etc. Anyone ever heard of that happening?

[charmerci]

A few of my friends are hackers, they use Kaspersky.  I wouldn't use anything else.

Funny that - kapersky was affected by the Heartbleed virus.

[bladesmith]

Funny that - kapersky was affected by the Heartbleed virus.

I have it on my HP, with no negative issues at all.

[charmerci]

I have it on my HP, with no negative issues at all.

The HB virus is affecting their site (registration, your passwords there ,etc. ) - not the software on your computer.

[trackball02]

Thanks for the heads up.
I added a plug-in for Chrome, called "Chromebleed" that should flag any web site infected by Heartbleed. Highly recommended.