More Than One Antivirus Program?
"I'm not sure which anti-virus program is installed on my computer. I think I might even have more than one. How can I find out which one I have, and is it good to have multiple anti-virus programs?" |
Is It Okay to Have Multiple Antivirus Programs?
Often when you buy a new computer, it comes with a trial version of Norton, McAfee or some other commercial antivirus software. When that free trial is about to expire, the program starts to nag you about upgrading to a paid version, which can be expensive. That's when some users start looking for a free antivirus alternative. There are some excellent free antivirus programs, but a common mistake is to install that freebie without removing the old one. Some users also think they'll be more secure if they install a second antivirus package.
In most cases, having more than one antivirus program running on your computer is bad news. Antivirus programs consume memory and processing power, as they scan the stream of data, emails, web pages and downloads that enter your computer. So it makes sense that having more than one antivirus scanner will slow down your computer.
But there's another potential problem... Sometimes antivirus programs can fight with each other, since they both want to be the final arbiter is good and evil on your computer. One might even think the other *is* a virus, and attempt to quarantine it. You may see slowdowns, lockups or experience random restarts.
My advice is to pick ONE antivirus tool and stick with it, at least until you decide to replace it with another. I've compiled a list of some excellent Free Antivirus Programs, which I use and recommend over the paid-for security suites on the market. If you want to study them further, the independent reports at AV Comparatives will show you how various antivirus programs compare in terms of effectiveness.
Which Antivirus Programs Do I Have?
If you're not terribly tech savvy, you might not even know which antivirus program is installed on your computer, if you have more than one, or none at all. To find out if you have antivirus protection, click the Start button, then open Control Panel and click on Security Center. If there is a red light next to Virus Protection, you have no antivirus protection, and fixing that should be Job One. If you see a green light, you're good, probably.
Now let's find out if you have one or multiple antivirus programs installed. First, check out the little icons in the taskbar on the bottom right of your screen:
Click on the little white arrow to expand the list if needed, then run the mouse pointer over each one without clicking. As you do so, the name of each program will appear in a little popup as shown above. Antivirus programs should clearly identify themselves. Look for names such as AVG, Avira, Avast, BitDefender, Eset, F-Secure, G Data, Kaspersky, McAfee, Norton, Panda, or Trend Micro. There could be others, but those are the most common and popular ones at present.
If you find more than one, go to Control Panel, Add/Remove Programs, and uninstall the anti-virus program(s) you don't want to keep. You'll need to restart your computer to finish the removal process. When you're done, make sure your one remaining antivirus program is up to date and run a complete scan to check for nasties.
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Posted by Bob Rankin on 10 Feb 2010
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Article information: AskBobRankin -- More Than One Antivirus Program? (Posted: 10 Feb 2010)
Source: http://askbobrankin.com/more_than_one_antivirus_program.html
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Most recent comments on "More Than One Antivirus Program?"
(See all 11 comments for this article.)Posted by:
Meek Narc Lung
11 Feb 2010
This issue is the most important security question I have had for a long time.I have read many PC experts opinions on this. Many have changed their minds over time.I've gleaned this fact and hold to it.Since all paid for malware,spam,virus systems are constantly working in the background of course 2 would clash.But if you have a system that does it all whether you are scanning or not,and then you add a system like Free Malwarebytes which doesn't work when not spamming,this problem is moot.Make sure its the free version.
Posted by:
Zeke Krahlin
11 Feb 2010
Best PC security...at $0.00
http://ezekielk.tblog.com/post/1970050664
Posted by:
Bob
12 Feb 2010
Getting rid of Norton or MacAfee software is a bit more difficult than that! Norton offers a free "remover" on their web site.
Posted by:
Colin Davies
12 Feb 2010
Hello, Bob. I've never seen you mention this program, but I've been using Webroot Antivirus with Antispyware for several years. I've found it to be excellent. It does take a long time to load on startup, but it keeps my computer clean without being too obtrusive and their tech support is first-class. Do you have any feedback on this app?
Posted by:
bem
12 Feb 2010
I've always understood that the issue was RUNNING two or more antivirus apps at the same time. I've long made a habit of having a second program installed and updated but not running. Occasionally, I'll kill the mainstay (off line) and scan with the other for a 'second opinion.' Never had a problem that I know of.
Now comes an uber-class of anti-malware programs that will not even install unless you remove every vestige of your AV. Why?
EDITOR'S NOTE: I can't see a problem with doing what you suggest. Which program did you find that wanted you to remove the existing AV?
Posted by:
Jack
12 Feb 2010
What about Microsoft Security Essentials? It came installed on my newest PC and our computer guru suggested I give it a try.
EDITOR'S NOTE: See http://askbobrankin.com/microsoft_security_essentials.html
Posted by:
Joe M
14 Feb 2010
I've used them all - Norton, McAfee, Trend Micro, AVG, Avast and Vipre. First, I wouldn't use Symantec or McAfee if they were 100% free and fully functional. 10+ years ago, they were great. Now they're bloatware. The others are OK, but keep getting "bloatier." Vipre is fantastic. I also use Prevx as well.
To the issue of using more than one.... YES! As long as they're not hogs as mentioned above. Most sources claim antivirus/spyware/malware programs are only 80% effective at best. So, as long as they're not tripping over each other and you have a half-way decent system (p4 running at 3+GHz with 1+GB RAM), it shouldn't be a problem.
Posted by:
oldetimer
14 Feb 2010
I am not as computer-knowledgeable as most of your readers and am always looking for more info.
I se Norton 360 for my basic protection, but in addition, for anti-malware I use rhw paid version of Spyware Doctor and the free version of Ad-Aware. I have also been thinking of adding Webroot's Spy Sweeper (the trial version came up with detections that the others did not). Is my current protection overkill, self-destructive overkill, simply adequate, or what? I would appreciate hearing from your other readers as well.
Thank you.
Posted by:
Randy W
15 Feb 2010
Maybe someone can help with this. Last time I renewed my Norton subscription I was offered the oportunity to upgrade from Norton Antivirus to Norton 360 at a very attractive price. The problem is that now when I start my computer two instances of Norton Updater seem to run simulteneously, and my startup takes forever. I don't want to kill daily update checks completely, but I can't seem to find a way to stop one or the other.
Posted by:
Tony
18 Feb 2010
Hello: I am using AVG free anti-virus and superantivirus program[9.95 a year] and my question is this: do I need also free anti-malwarebytes program also? I get every day adware tracking cookies when I manually scan my pc..is this a normal thing? I notice slow startup of email window and sometimes the internet as well.. I usually delete all unknown emails I get. Just concerned with malware and adware at moment.