Security software

[artkaye]

I got connected to Internet after a long absence. I have selected the following programs ( free software, I believe) to use:

Antivirus & Antispyware Protection- AVG Free 8
Antivirus Scanner - Aivira Antivir Free
Spyware Scanner - Super AntiSpyware and Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
Trojan Scanner -A-Squared Free
Firewall & HIPS - Comodo 3
Rootkit Scanner - Panda Anti-Rootkit & Rootkit Revealer


Any comments from the doctors at Virtual Dr.

Thanks in advance.

[Broni]

Antivirus & Antispyware Protection- AVG Free 8
Antivirus Scanner - Aivira Antivir Free

You can't have TWO antivirus programs running at the same time.
My suggestion - drop AVG.

[artkaye]

Broni, thanks.
But drop AVG?
My plan is to run only AVG for real time protection. Then shut it down and use Avira Antivir as a scanner. What about this?

[Broni]

It's not good to have two antiviruses installed, even , if only one runs in real time, and I'm not a big fan of 8.0 version of AVG.

[HAN]

I agree with Broni. I do not recommend AVG 8. Besides, Avira free offers excellent real-time protection.

[HAN]

artkaye: If you want to have an on board, 2nd opinion antivirus scanner, take a look at Dr Web's CureIt. http://www.freedrweb.com/cureit/ It only runs when you do a manual scan.

[artkaye]

Thanks, Han.
From what you say, I gather that a 2nd opinion antivirus scanner on board is not an entirely bad idea. I have always used AVG and it has worked well for me. It's only that in most matters about health, more especially about computer health these days, a 2nd opinion is obviously desirable.

How does Avira compare with Dr. Web? Can Avira not be configured to be used as as an on board 2nd opinion manual scanner?

I wait to learn more; as you can see I am a Virtual Med Student!

[SpywareDr]

How does Avira compare with Dr. Web?

AV-Test.org's latest results on Virus Bulletin:
http://www.virusbtn.com/news/2008/09_02

[artkaye]

Thanks, SpywareDr.

I checked AV-Test.org and found the ranking of Avira Antivir excellent. The question that I want answered is whether I can use Avira as an on board 2nd opinion scanner.
What do you say?

[Broni]

Two antiviruses shouldn't be installed on the same computer, no matter, if one is inactive.

[HAN]

Two antiviruses shouldn't be installed on the same computer, no matter, if one is inactive.

In a broad sense, I don't disagree. But that said, I believe one can have a second scanner available, as long as it's not doing anything when not scanning. This is where Avira would be tough to have as a second scanner. If you turn off the real-time scanner from the program interface, the processes running in the background are still active.

But a program like Dr. Web CureIt doesn't run all the time. It's only active when you're using it to scan with. ClamWin is similar in this way too...

[Broni]

I have no proof, but I have a bad feeling about that second AV program, even if inactive.
Firstly, it'd have to be triple checked, that no file, or service from 2nd AV is running.
Secondly, who knows what's the relationship between two AV programs files, even just installed, not necessarily running at the same time.
Personally, I'd never do that.
On-line scanners are different animal, though.
We're all aware of computer problems caused by AV programs leftovers. Apparently, not visible by naked eye, but still causing problems.
Norton, and McAfee would be prime example, here.