Multiple AV Programs

[raj_head]

Just a quick 'noob' question about AV progs and possible conflicts.

 

I have a few anti-virus programs that all run at the same time just trying to be extra safe. Im wondering if this is a complete waste of time and resources? Does one program have priority and therefore makes the others useless?

 

The AV's i use are Avast (free edition), SuperAntiSpyware (free edition) and AVG (paid). Having them all does make my laptop start up a bit slower but i dont mind that if they are all helping together.

 

Any info would be great

 

Thanks

 

raj_head

[maynardvdm]

Hi

 

It is not a good idea to have them all running at the same time. You can keep SuperAntiSpyware and do a system scan once a week or when needed. But you only need one with real time protection. Keep your paid av and disable or uninstall avast.

[Guest Wolfeymole]

Uninstall AVG, you don't need it.

 

Keep Super Anti Spyware and also obtain Malwarebytes from here.

 

Malwarebytes.org

 

Allow Avast to update and run all three at least once a week.

[raj_head]

Thanks for the help guys. Think i will get rid of AVG cause a) i think its the free version anyway (just says i have 2 year license, not that its paid for) and b) ive heard Avast is better than AVG.

 

Have got malwarebytes already =)

 

Cheers!

[BeeCeeBee]

Good choice Raj!

[Plastic Nev]

I will add here, that true anti-virus programs can conflict. Avast, and AVG are both anti-virus so getting rid of one has to be the choice and way to go. From what I know and have seen in the last three years, dumping AVG is the best one. AVG used to be good, but is now so overlarge in megabytes terms, it doesn't do you or your machine any favours, as well as the fact I have seen many complaints about it elsewhere on other forums.

 

Next is the difference between anti-virus software and anti-spyware or anti-malware software. Anti-spy and anti-malware programs work in an entirely different way from anti-virus programs and because of that do not or very rarely conflict with each other.

 

So the common advise here is, Have one Firewall, have one anti-virus, but as many anti spy and anti general malware as you like, though two or three is usually enough.

 

If you look in the sticky here- http://extremetechsupport.com/forum/malware-removal-av-firewalls-etc/3597-free-pc-help-recommended-security-products.html

 

You will see the software we are currently recommending, If you want to keep to freeware you can't go wrong with what we recommend, I know I use some of it.