internet free security - my list - advice pls

360view

My free ed of mcAfee will be ending soon - after searching this site for info re. free security here's my list:

avast
spybot search & destroy
spyware guard
spyware blaster
zonealarm firewall

I need to know:

a - if all the above will work on XP SP2?
b - do I uninstall the mcafee and do CCleaning job before downloading free antivirus?
c - can I run zonealarm & windows?
d - do I need to add anything else to the above list?

Thanks.

Chippy_Minton

a. Yes, they should all work, though I've not heard of Spyware Guard before.
b. No, keep McAfee active until you've downloaded the new one. The end of the subscription period will just mean that it won't download the latest virus definitions - the software itself will still keep running. If you want to be really careful, physically disconnect from the internet before uninstalling McAfee and installing the new one.
c. No need to run 2 firewalls - turn the Windows one off.
d. Windows Defender from Microsoft.

redux

or instead of Windows Defender, AVG anti-spyware (formerly Ewido)

I've got different anti-virus, but all of the rest and they work fine together

Some people like an anti-spam program like Mailwasher, but I don't bother

hole_in_pocket_2

windows xp sp2

avg free edition-very good
zone alarm free edition-excellent.
spybot and ad-aware-excellent.

hijack this..use with caution what you delete have a look here.

http://www.spywareinfo.com/~merijn/htlogtutorial.php

Lorian

I run the follwing all on the same PC:

Avast (Realtime and Email Anti virus)
Microsoft Windows Defender (Spyware, Adware)
Spybot Search and destroy (innoculation, periodoic scans)
Adware SE Personal (periodic scans).
Hijack This (baseline + periodic check for anything new, a bit techie)

All free, and amongst best of breed.

None affect performance too much. The only recommendation would be to turn of write-checks on Avast, as read-checks are generally adequate.