[Paradox148]

Hi All! My first post here. :)

I was delighted to have found this so very informative and helpful forum as I am quite a newbie in the field of security on computing and would apprecate your help.

From reading the forum, I have gathered that Avast and Super-antispyware are two of your favorite programs to use. Hence I have installed them on top of my already paid for Zone-Alarm Suite which I have used for many years.

My questions:

With Avast, and Super-antispyware, should I go ahead to get the paid version or would you think the two free versions together with my zonealarm should be adequate? Is there anything else I should be installing?

Does running multiple spyware/AV programs at the same time slow down the system significantly or cause any other problems?

I run a Window XP(2nd Edition) system on my laptop and is usually qutie careful in what i download and run... still after hearing about my friend's system getting hacked twice I am getting nervous...:(

Any comment would be most welcomed!

[pcwsk4]

I have used Avast home for over a year and the computer is still running great. I don't even have any antispyware on it! I don't check email on it though.

I think Avast Home is sufficiant. I don't know as much about antispyware software.

[lilxkid24]

no you dont need any paid software. Avast and superantispyware are good enough, because its lag free. Its not recommended to run more than 1 antispyware program same goes for antivirus. Just stick with the freebees

[Paradox148]

there seems to be quite a few members running multiple Antispyware and AV concurrently?

[lilxkid24]

ok to clarify this many people have more than 1 antispyware program installed which is ok, but dont run them at same time as they can conflict.

[PC101]

Go with the free... free.. free! I've used both Avast and AVG without issue! I tried Norton and McAfee and both HOG resources and are as bad as some malware if you ever want to take them off you computer! :(

[SpiritWind]

Hi



Except under highly unusual circumstances, should NEVER have 2 antiVIRUS programs on a computer

at the same time because there is a high probability of a "conflict" resulting in a loss of coverage ;

therefore, since your Zone Alarm "Suite" has a antiVIRUS "component", you should completely remove

either the Zone Alarm "Suite" or Avast . For a "Starter Guide" on Security, I recommend you read the

"Document" I Authored on these Forums at forums.pcworld.com/docs/DOC-1141|d-1141 . Since most

likely you want your PAID "Suite", you should uninstall Avast using your "Add or Remove Programs"

AND use their "Uninstall Utility" at [http://www.avast.com/eng/avast-uninstall-utility.html] .

As with antiVIRUS program(s), antiSPYWARE/antiTROJAN program(s) should have ONLY ONE

program "running" or providing "real-time" protection. Since your "Suite" has an antiSPYWARE

"component" providing "real-time" protection, you should ONLY Install additional antiSPYWARE

programs that will NOT "run" "real-time". So it is OK to install the FREE Version ( ONLY ) of

"SUPERAntiSpyware" .