I was going to say that you can choose to not install the antivirus but unfortunately this crap and similar come installed on so many laptops. If the HW is compatible I suggest to format the whole thing and install Linux.
I do use Linux. Even so, if you were required to install (or compile) a package that is a dependency on something you don't explicitly use but do for others, where do you draw the line on their acceptable tradeoffs?
Throwaway Virtual machine...that's where i ~don't have to draw lines.