Can I select files to transfer and not get old Mac antivirus programs transferred?

Hi,

In addition to babowa's suggestion, if you're using Migration Assistant, another way to do it would be to uncheck the box for transferring Applications, then install just the ones you currently use from scratch after the transfer. That would definitely leave behind the old anti-virus apps.

If the new computer is going to be the Apple Silicon M1 Equipped Computer - would suggest Only Migrating the User Account and nothing more.

1 - Apple Silicon with either Big Sur macOS 11 or Monterey macOS 12 Only Support everything 64 bit and there is no workaround.

2 - Issues that may exist on the older computer will be migrated to the New Computer. This would badly pollute the new Original and Pristine installation of the new OS.

3 -  Applications, extensions and Software Drivers may or may not even work on the new computer.

4 - IMHO - it would be best to only install new application etc Directly from the Developer or the Apple Apps Store.

5 - Due Diligence on New Applications and make sure they are Monterey / Big Sur compatible and factor in the ARMs CPU of the Apple Silicon Computer  

+1

Actually, this is what should always be done when transferring to a new mac.

You are welcome

Do come back to the Apple Support Communities ( ASC )  in the future, if / or when additional question may arise

I don't think you can choose which apps to transfer (or not). I'd suggest you uninstall the useless apps according to their instructions before the transfer.