The present invention is directed to a system and methods for protecting a limited resource computer from malware. Aspects of the present invention use antivirus software on a general purpose computer to prevent malware from infecting a limited resource computer. Typically, antivirus software on the general purpose computer is kept "up-to-date" with the most recent software updates. When a connection is established between the limited resource computer and the general purpose computer, a signature of each application installed on the limited resource computer is transmitted to the general purpose computer. Then antivirus software on the general purpose computer compares the received signatures to known malware. Finally, the results of the scan are reported to the limited resource computer.