Software/Network Bumfs need advice

[deus3x]

Been given the task by my friend to arrange the following.

I am purchasing 10 netbooks which will need to run Word 2010 and Powerpoint/Outlook 2010 and some mobile satellite software.

I need the units to be secure and reliable.

My CONFIRMED software list is following:
OS: Windows 7 Home Premium
TrueCrypt Complete HDD 'Boot password protected'
Office 2010 Professional
Satellite connection software 'Mobile satellite connects via Ethernet'
VLC player

Now I am stuck on the following.
What Virus checker

The mobile satellite equipment is very expensive to roam data so I need software which will not automatically update just disable automatic update in software or is there an app to control this.

I also need to make a EXACT copy of the data on the HDD, will Acronis True Image be able to do this task if its encrypted with truecrypt.

 

[deus3x]

Thanks for all the advice, very helpful regards the encryption.

regards Anti-Virus I am going with AVG FREE and spyware ill use Spybot Search and Destroy.

I will have to warn the users regards the updates and disable them until back in UK where it will be part of their checks to maintain this.