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I'm having to do a complete re-format/re-install. A buddy suggests I install 2 different virus protection programs, Norton Anti-virus AND McAfee, and use them both simultaneously. I didn't know that was possible. Is it a wise thing to do, and does it really provide double protection?
Regards,
Horseman

FWIW, I would not use either as BOTH have been problems to me, personally, in the past -- each, on different occasions, damaged my system such that I had to reinstall the OS. So, for me, antivirus has caused more problems than it saved me from (I've had one or two worms/viruses since the internet started).

For example, recently, it was well publicised that McAfee did an automatic update (as such programs are designed to do) that detected authentic Windows files as viruses and deleted them -- thereby trashing many systems around the world.

I, personally, would use one program. I would use one of the free ones. But, I do not use any except once in a great while to verify I have no viruses.

My wife uses free-download AVG antivirus (as was suggested to us by others on this forum) -- it updates itself every day or so and so far it gives her no problems -- but, she never has viruses either (a retired IT professional, she too is careful what she does and does not depend on anti-virus programs). I use AVG too occasionally, then uninstall it -- yes, I am an odd-ball

Okay, thanks. My expensive subscription to Norton was compromised by a pop-up window that looked EXACTLY like a normal Norton window pop-up and recommended I accept the action, which of course I did. Not good. 1st thing it did was make the Norton ineffective. It has completely trashed the OS to the point of no return and even a system recovery back to "shelf-purchased" status wouldn't remove the virus it was so deeply embedded. And of course, good-ol Norton has yet to respond to my email about this. Trying to get them on the phone, better yet, trying to FIND a phone number is useless. The sad part is, I had just called up Inet and was on the MSN homepage when it happened. Now it's re-format time. What an absoulte pain this is being. A friend suggests going to Windows XP PRO rather than XP Home Edition. I'll certainly keep your advice top-of-mind.

Regards,

AVG

Same here. Ditch the NAV and McAfee; problematic. Use AVG and MS Windows Defender (beta).

AVG

Defender Beta 2

Bill's suggestion, +1

as above plus Avast! - see the new sticky

AVG here for the last 5 to 6 yrs. with nary a problem!
FWIW,
Good Hunting!

Wow, thanks folks. I'm convinced.

I just started using the Defender Beta 2 and am a bit concerned about Microsoft's privacy policy. Have you guys using Defender Beta 2 read it? I don't like apps that snoop.

I use AVG but that's more because I'm a cheap bastage than because I think it's really good. F-Secure is much better as an AV from what I have read and it isn't effed up like Norton's crap. BTW, Allen, you can install AVG and not have it loaded in memory. You just scan when you want and/or scan downloaded files manually. No need to uninstall/reinstall every time you use it.

I was so exhausted when I loaded Windows Defender I didn't review the privacy policy. Gatticus, I can tell you though, WD only "identified" the problem/virus with my recent episode, but couldn't "fix" it. But, I'm sure it's a serious challenge to stay 1 step ahead, definition wise, of the idiot's who get their jollies putting virus's out there.

Do NOT run two AVs at the same time. Too many chances for conflicts. I'd stay as far away from McAfee as possible,. I had to pull that off of a compaq that came preloaded with it, once. I've dealt with ad/spyware that easier to remove.

I'm currently using Norton AV, but when it runs out, I'm going to one of the free AVs that's out there. It's too bloated, and I feel like i had to beat it into submission. I also get tired of they're updates that don't give me the option to reboot later.

Sheesh... AVAST.

Free, and automatic updates.......even for the FREE version.

I use ZoneAlarmSecuritySuite. It's on BetaNews today if anyone wants to try out the new beta which has an interesting new development called gamer's mode.

Actually, if you don't use the Auto-Scan feature.. that is you scan what you when you want, I see no problem having two or more A/V on your machine. I have had FOUR (4), for comparison purposes.

BUT... I only scanned Internet Files. My ISP has McAffee to scan 'Mail before it ever even gets here. And, to McAffee's credit, in the years of use there have been many, quarenteed down there, but NOT one ever came to my machine, except for a few times I 'gave permission' for a Viral E-Mail to be delivered, so I could 'test' the A/V I had installed. I would set the one at a time, to scan E-Mail. All four caught the Incoming...