Norton etc

[netibiza]

 I have installed Norton anti-virus 2005, but also have AVG, Zone Alarm and MicrosoftAnti -spyware and am using Windows XP  is this overkill or is it alright? Will one stop the other from working?

[dodgyshirt]

It is inadvisable to have Norton AV and AVG as these are both anti-virus programmes and will certainly clash.I would uninstall AVG.
Zone Alarm is a Firewall and is miles better than the one incorporated in XP.Make sure the XP one is turned off.
Microsofts Anti-spyware is a very good programme designed to prevent/get rid of malware such as browser hijackers,adware etc.but is tie-limited at the moment I would supplement this with Adaware, downloadable from lavasoft.de

[stevie21]

Agree with the advice on 2 antivirus progs but beyond that, I have more "anti" programs installed than you list and have never had any virus or problem so, overkill or not, it's working for me!

[netibiza]

dodgyshirt many thanx its really helpful - have uninstalled AVG - but where do I find XP firewall to turn it off? and I also have spydoctor - what is it shall I keep it or what??

[dodgyshirt]

Agree about not having too many antis, I`ve got those I mentioned plus Webroot Spysweeper, Spyware Doctor, CWShredder etc. I was pointing out a minimum of those.
Having said all that my daughter managed to catch the Serflog.worm 2wks ago through Messenger, the very day it was released. It just shows, you can never be too careful.
To disable the XP firewall depends upon whether you are running Service Pack 2 as this detects if you have a choice of Firewalls and would have asked you to make the choice when you first installed it.
If you are still on SP1 go into Internet Connections/properties, then select the Advanced tab where it will let you enable/disable the XP Firewall.
Keep Spydoctor and make sure you update and run it regularly.It`s one of the best antis.

[dave m]

its on yor control panel,just click security,as for anti virus dont matter how many u instal,as for firewall i use 2.mcafee and windows firewall....not had no probs,agree with dodgy shirt bout adaware,superb free program