computer virus scanners

[abc12]

i've had my somewhat new computer for about 2 years or so, and haven't done a virus scan or even installed a virus program on my system, thinking it's about time too...

so wondering what virus scanners you guys use or recommend, somewhat basic but reliable, nothing too advanced, use to have programs before on my old system like norton which would run in the back ground all the time and slow down my system...

thanks