Real-time protection.

[yurka]

I have and regularly use several anti-malware programs (AMWP). Yet only Avast! antivurus provides real-time protection. All others, AFAIK, only scan the PC, and occasionally catch something, post factum, STS.
Are there any good (and free ) AMW SW that can actively guard the PC and catch offenders before they do any harm, if not heuristically, at least those with signatures (>99.9% of MW?).
Another thing is slightly different: Virtually all programs offer an option to start at Windows start. From experience I know that the more programs start when Windows starts, the more time it takes for the Windows to start. So, now I wait a while for Windows to start completely, i.e. to load a few programs which I want to be always open, and then a little more time (I have Processor Usage green monitor in the Systray) and as soon as I see that it is below 100%, I start one of the AMWP manually.
I wonder, is it possible to do something like this automatically? I tiny SW gizmo will start one AMWP at each reboot (or shut down?), or begin all of them consequentially, I mean the ones which do only scanning; the real-time protectors should begin at Windows start, it's more important than quicker start.

[SpywareDr]

On XP systems I usually install at least the following free 'real-time protection' programs:

• avast! Home Edition
  http://www.avast.com/eng/avast_4_home.html
  
  
• Comodo Firewall (only)
  http://personalfirewall.comodo.com/d..._firewall.html
  During Comodo's setup process you will be given the choice to:

  • Install the AntiVirus as a standalone
  • Install the Firewall as a standalone
  • Install both Firewall and AntiVirus

  You want the "Install the Firewall as a standalone".
  
  
• Windows Defender
  http://www.microsoft.com/athome/secu...e/default.mspx
  
  
• WinPatrol
  http://www.winpatrol.com/
  
  
• SpywareBlaster
  http://www.wilderssecurity.net/spywareblaster.html

[yurka]

Thank you!
Two questions:
1. I have WinXP PRO firewall. You said "Comodo Firewall only. Doed Comodo replaces Windows' one or does the two co-exist?
2. I was told many times not to have more than one anti-virus program, as they might interfere with each other. According to you Avast! may co-exist with SpyWare Blaster. What about SuperAntiSpyware?

[Train]

SuperAntiSpyware and Malwarebytes , no problem .

[SpywareDr]

Thank you!

You're welcome.

I have WinXP PRO firewall. You said "Comodo Firewall only. Doed Comodo replaces Windows' one or does the two co-exist?

Replaces.

2. I was told many times not to have more than one anti-virus program, as they might interfere with each other.

That is correct.

According to you Avast! may co-exist with SpyWare Blaster. What about SuperAntiSpyware?

Yes, they will both co-exist with Avast! One reason is because neither SpywareBlaster nor SuperAntiSpyware are "Anti-Virus" programs.

[Welshjim]

yurka--Of all the programs that are allowed to start at boot, firewall and antivirus should be among the first--not the last. You are connected almost immediately to the Internet if you have cable/DSL so you are unprotected until they start.

[yurka]

In my PC all AMPs that provide real-time protection, start "when Windows starts", yet some can do scanning only, e. g. AdAware.