Antivirus and Anti-Spyware Program

[MDS1005]

Just wondering if I should run an anti-virus program AND an anti-spyware program on the same system, or is it better to get a program that just does both.... Talking freeware here if possible. Right now I am using AVAST! free version. Is this enough for virus protection AND spyware protection? Or should I get a separate spyware program?

 

[Celegorm]

You need one of each. If you have a program that does spyware and virus, still get a second anti-spyware program.

 

[Atomic Rooster]

AVAST is great for an anti-virus program. A couple of good anti-spyware programs I like to use are Ad-Aware 2008 Free and Spybot Search & Destroy

 

[MDS1005]

Unless I misread the download page for Ad-Aware free version, this program also does virus scanning? Will this interfere with my current anti-virus, AVAST!? I've heard that conflicts may arise when running two anti-virus programs on the same computer.

 

[ilovepcs25]

no ad-aware is anti-spyware and not anti-virus

 

[MDS1005]

Okay, after re-reading the Ad-Aware download site, let me just make sure I have this right. They offer Ad-Aware 2008 Free, and Ad-Aware 2008 PLUS for free through some offer.... Ad-Aware 2008 Free would just be the spyware program, and Ad-Aware PLUS would be with integrated virus protection?

 

[ilovepcs25]

im assuming so yes

 

[Atomic Rooster]

Yes, you are correct. Ada-Aware Free is just the anti-spyware program, Ad-Aware Plus includes anti-virus protection.

 

[ilovepcs25]

thanks atomic for not digging my hole any deeper i took a guess on my last reply

 

[JogaBonito1502]

I personally use these:

-Spybot Search and Destroy
-Comodo Anti-Virus
-Comodo Firewall w/ Defense+
-CCleaner

These working together keeps my computer clean and safe.

Some tips:
-Disable the HIPS Application Control as it gets very annoying and is unnecessary. I only used it when my computer is slow.
-Keep the Defense+ and Firewall on Training Mode or Clean/Safe PC mode. I sometimes keep it disabled (when playing games) as I know the chances of a virus are virtually 0.
-CCleaner is just there lol. I use it to get rid of "dumb" registries (haven't needed it lately)