Don't mix and match security software

A problem I sometimes come across is someone that has installed anti virus software, anti spyware software, a firewall, and other security programs on their computer. Why is this a problem? Security companies have been extending the scope of their products over recent years and now it is hard to find a straightforward anti virus program, anti spyware program, firewall and so on. Anti virus programs include anti spyware, firewalls include virus scanning, security suites include anti virus, spyware, firewall, root kit and lots of other things too.

Security software doesn't just do one thing any more, it does several. It runs in the background monitoring every file access, checking every program you run, checking the websites you visit, which programs are accessing the internet, what information is being up or downloaded and so on. The problem is that if multiple programs are constantly checking everything the computer does they can slow it down and even cause errors and weird problems.

You might assume Outpost Pro Firewall was a firewall and it is, but it also includes anti spyware and real-time anti malware protection. So do you need anti virus/spyware software too? Will they work together or clash? PC Tools Spyware Doctor checks websites and displays safety ratings in your search results. Many anti virus programs do that too. Do you need two utilities adding ratings to search results? Will they work or simply clash? SUPERAntiSpyware contains real-time checking of programs you run and it detects Trojans, rootkits, worms and other types of malware, but don't anti virus programs do this anyway?

If you want to run separate security programs then try to avoid overlaps. Don't get a firewall that includes anti spyware if your anti virus software also includes anti spyware. If your security suite includes rootkit protection, don't add another program that also provides rootkit protection. If you already have a program checking websites, don't go and add another one that does the same thing.

It is hard finding separate security programs and one simple solution is to get a security suite that does everything. One package from one company that includes all the security you need - anti virus/spyware, firewall, anti phishing, website checking, and so on.

If you want extra protection, then get a scanner and cleanup tool that doesn't constantly run in the background. SUPERAntiSpyware Portable Scanner is one example. It does not need installing and you just run it when you want to scan the computer. ClamWin Portable is an anti virus program that doesn't need installing and you can just run it when you need it. These two programs won't prevent infections because they don't run on startup and monitor activity, but if you've already got security software doing that, they are useful as a backup in case your main software misses something.