WiseVector (WV) is a Sino-based AV of high protective quality. It's very light on system resources and is largely based on AI. Plus it includes a Firewall and HIPS (Host-based Intrusion Protection System), neither of which offers extensive user settings. WV has been tested by @cruelsister and she found it to perform exceptionally well. It is still free. ESET and Kaspersky AVs also include HIPS & Firewalls. ESET's HIPS allows extensive user settings but works good right out of the box. ESET is fairly light on system resources, but not quite as light as WV. I have no recent first-hand knowledge re Kaspersky AV's impact on system resources. If you are seeking strong protection for zero money, then you couldn't go wrong with WV. On the other hand, if you are planning a NO AV test -- whether for objective reasons or merely for fun -- then (IMO) inclusion of WV would be a form of gaming your test, similar to using HMP.A. Either way, this thread has been, & still is, a lot of fun. Aloha for that!
I totally agree! Thanks very much for the information above, you've given me a lot to think about. It IS tempting to do an actual trial of this NO AV model. The model would include other measures that don't rely on anti-virus software, such as setting up a standard Windows user account and using a security-oriented DNS service, up-to-date router firmware, and an extensive hosts file.
