Too much Security?

[Northumbrian]

My laptop has recently started freezing and I often lose the mouse pointer altogether. I think I can date the problem to around the time when I installed AVG 7.5 fully. Other programmes present are: Norton Security Scan Spyware Doctor 5.5 Microsoft Security Centre Have I overloaded on security and, if so, which would you recommend for retention? The system is markedly slower. IE is almost moribund.

[fo3nix]

YES!!

It's either one or none when it comes to security products. Preferably one ;)

Remove norton and the microsoft crap if you can.

http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo .nsf/docid/2005033108162039

Have one anti-virus app running, and one firewall. I recommend AVG and zone alarm, respectively.

[Northumbrian]

Many thanks fo3nix - an immediate improvement. I couldn't find any way to remove the whole Microsoft so I've disconnected the Firewall element. Is this a good move?

[Buenchico]

You need ONE firewall and ONE anti-virus program running on your PC. (Having two of either can lead to serious conflicts, which can cause major problems). Additionally, you should have provision for dealing with spyware. (Because anti-spyware programs are usually 'run on demand' rather than 'run in background', you can have as many as you like because you'll only run one at a time, so they won't conflict).

Norton products are notorious for slowing computers down, so getting rid of Norton (irrespective of what you use instead) is always a good idea.

Spyware Doctor provides you with one anti-spyware program. As stated, you can have more if you like. (Some threats seem to get picked up by one program but not by another). The most popular free anti-spyware programs are Adaware and SpyBot:

http://www.lavasoftusa.com/products/ad_aware_f ree.php

http://www.safer-networking.org/en/spybotsd/in dex.html

AVG 7.5 covers your anti-virus requirements. (It's the most popular free program, with Avast! as runner up).

My only concern is that you don't seem to have a functioning firewall. You've got rid of Norton (good move) and disabled the Windows firewall (also a good move because it's not highly rated) but I can't see anything in your post that suggests that there's any firewall now running.

The most popular free firewall is Zone alarm Free Edition:
http://www.zonealarm.com/store/content/catalog /products/sku_list_za.jsp

Use EITHER Zone Alarm OR Comodo (which is also popular), NOT BOTH:
22:30 Fri 07th Mar 2008

[Buenchico]

Ooops!

The final link got cut off:
http://www.personalfirewall.comodo.com/

Chris

[Northumbrian]

Thank you Chris for that very detailed reply. I moved over to the full, paid for, AVG Internet Security and it seems to cover every safety requirement. Sorry if I mislead you with mention if AVG 7.5. Do you think I need to instal any further programmes as back-ups?

[Buenchico]

Thank for the reply.

Many security programs start running as soon as you install them. You could install additional software and then disable in from your startup menu but, as long as you've got the three essential security components (firewall, anti-virus & anti-spyware), I can't see any point in doing so.

Chris