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Ask Slashdot: Should Average Consumers Install More Than One Antivirus Program On Their System?

Posted by msmash on from the what-would-you-say dept.

Even though you would assume that people would know better, an anonymous reader writes, in my experience, I have found many who think installing more than one antivirus program on their computer is the right way to go about it. Some have installed as many as three third-party security suites, which among other things, takes a toll on the performance. This week the New York Times' tech tip section addresses the matter. From the article, which could be paywalled, but you don't have to read it in entirety anyway: Installing more than one program to constantly scan and monitor your PC for viruses and other security threats can create problems, because the two applications will likely interfere with each other's work. Clashing antivirus programs can cause the computer to behave erratically and run more slowly as the applications battle for system resources. Microsoft advises against running its Windows Defender security software on the same system with another installed third-party antivirus program. Likewise, antivirus software companies also warn against using other system security products when you are using theirs; Bitdefender, Kaspersky Lab and Symantec all have articles on their sites explaining the potential problems in detail. Programs that do not constantly patrol your operating system, like mail scanners, may not be an issue. What do you folks recommend to people who are not as tech-savvy?

5 of 159 comments (clear)

  1. For once use the microsoft shit by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Ever since microsoft came out with their windows defender I have seen no need to install any other virus software.

    1. Re:For once use the microsoft shit by gweihir · · Score: 5, Informative

      Indeed. The buy the same signatures everybody else has. Also, installing two AW solutions may well result in them interfering with each other. Not a good idea.

      --
      Most ACs are not even worth the keystrokes to insult them. Be generically insulted by this and ignored otherwise.
    2. Re:For once use the microsoft shit by freeze128 · · Score: 5, Funny

      Their incentive is to reduce the number of people who calls Microsoft support with infected or bogged down machines.

      Haven't you heard? Microsoft actually CALLS YOU, and tells you that you have a virus!

  2. stating the obvious,... by Selur · · Score: 5, Informative

    - don't install shit you don't want/need (true for all os)
    - don't use windows for browsing (especially if you browse to sites you don't trust)
    - don't click and open every damn email and attachment you get ...

    1. Re:stating the obvious,... by geekmux · · Score: 5, Insightful

      - don't install shit you don't want/need (true for all os) - don't use windows for browsing (especially if you browse to sites you don't trust) - don't click and open every damn email and attachment you get ...

      Telling the masses to not use Windows for browsing is like telling people to not drive 4-wheel vehicles for transportation. No matter how stupidly easy alternate OSes could be to operate, they're not mainstream, and therefore they are not the dominant option for the illiterate masses. And because users are obscenely lazy, a Windows alternative will have to become the default option.

      As far as installing shit you don't want/need, that describes 95% of the inventory in every app store. Installing pointless shit has practically become a tradition in the mobile universe. I don't see that behavior changing unless marketing crap suddenly becomes unprofitable.