One or the other - you can't run two (This is important, so please read this carefully)
In the last few weeks, I have gotten calls from several clients complaining that their PCs are running torturously slow. This is not an unusual complaint, since the vast majority of my clients run Windows. What's different about these recent cases is that these clients have made the assumption (without my help) that if the Internet is such a dangerous place, and no one security package can protect against everything 100% of the time, then multiple security programs are a good idea.
Unfortunately, they are reasoning without enough information.
You cannot run more than one anti-virus program on a computer at the same time.
I will repeat myself, because this is important (in bold, underlined, italicized, and larger font):
You cannot run more than one anti-virus program on your computer at the same time.
I hope you got that.
The reason is complicated, so you'll have to take my word for it. Basically, security programs (which are much more than just anti-virus applications) reach deep into Windows to do what they have to do to keep your computer as safe as they can. If you have two running together, they will conflict with each other within the operating system and you will suffer for it. It is also possible that you will not recover from this situation easily.
The only way you can go from the security product you are running now to another, is to totally remove the current one properly (using the Add/Remove Programs control panel or an uninstall utility from the security software manufacturer) before laying down the new one.
You should follow the same procedure if you are upgrading the product you have to a newer version. Totally remove the current version before installing the new one.
(NOTE - "upgrading" is not the same as "updating". Updating is downloading the newest protection data from the manufacturer. Upgrading is going to a totally new version of the package.)
Believe me, you will save a lot of time, stress, money, and hair if you follow this rule.
I have to tell people this all the time. I have spoken with friends and clients that said they run two anti-virus programs because they think it will keep them more protected.
I guess for those who don't know, that would make sense.
Sid, you should post an entry about your favourite anti-virus/security suites. I have a couple that I prefer and I would like to see what other people are using and their reasons for using them.
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