Only 1 virus scanner?

timestar

I have a feeling there is not an agreed/definitive answer to this but....

Like most of us I want to remain as safe and virus free as possible. I currently run Esett's security suite (antivirus, anti spyware, firewall). But, I know that many on here and other places, argue that you should run more than one scanner, as even the good ones are not infallible. But on geekstogo they strongly advise only 1 anti virus due to risk of false positives, clashes and so on. What is the "right" answer?

BillScarab

You should only have one active anti-virus scanner on your machine. However there is nothing to stop you using online scanners to do ad-hoc scans. Having more than one installed may be Ok if you just use one for ad-hoc scans as well. However personally I don't see the point. So long as you are behind a firewall, don't visit lots of dodgy websites and are careful about email attachments you'll be fine.

sleep2much

I only run one anti-virus, I use free Avast anti-virus, it's pretty good and seems to update itself once or twice a day, has stopped a few a few dodgies in their tracks.

superscaper

I suspect you may also be mixing up advice about running more than one antispyware/adware program with antivirus. I don't think anyone on here has ever advised using more than one antivirus program. As Bill says you may use more than one online scanner but htat's not the same as installing more antivirus programs which noone says you should do.

weegie.geek

You can install as many antivirus progs as you like, just don't have them all actively running. Choose one to run permanently if you must, and use the others to do scheduled scans or on-demand scans.

Really though, unless the scanner you're using is particularly bad, and you keep it up to date, you shouldn't need more than one.

isofa

Never run more than one virus scanner, you'll end up with massive problems, conflicts and a very slow PC.

KILL_BILL

most GGod antivirus scanner will check to see if you already have a antivirus programme installed before they install

this is to ensure that there is no conflictions between the programmes in questions

i have been using avast for many years - as someone has mentioned it is free and updates itself a couple of times each day

norton on the other hand is a pile of crap which should be banned form the market due to the fact it slow computers down and causes mountless problems.