Newbie questions. Will anti-spyware, etc. slow down comp? Best way to optimize comp?

Psychotron · 12-01-2007, 10:33 PM

I have been reading on different sites to download different anti-spyware programs. Right now I have:

1. Ad-aware
2. Spybot
3. IE Spyad w/ Zoned Out
4. PC pitstop driver alert
5. Spyware Blaster
6. ATF Cleaner
7. PC Pitstop Driver Alert
8. Hosts Xpert
9. Windows Defender

Will these slow down my system, or make it take longer to shut down and restart my comp? Is there anything on this list that I should not have? If it's not a big deal, does anyone recommend any more apps I should download or things to do to make my system better?

If I install almost all of the reputable spyware removers and system optimizers, etc. on my comp, will it slow down my system? Will there be any negative consequences?

Right now I would opt for a faster computer over a secure one, so I would prefer speed over an increased possibility of a virus, etc (still want an anti-virus though). I'd like my comp to shut down and restart quickly, but of course it's not that big of a deal.

With that in mind...I was wondering what the computer "gurus" think is the best way I can optimize my computer? If you have a lot of experience, then what would/do you do, and what do you download for your comp? What programs should I download or buy? I'm willing to pay money for programs that I can buy at the store or pay to activate full versions of trial software, etc. if it will help optimize my computer or help my computer's speed. My system specifications are at the bottom of this post.

Also, what is the best anti-virus that you would recommend?

My comp came with Norton 2007, and I just upgraded to Norton 2008 at the recommendation of an HP customer support specialist.

I realize these are subjective questions, but I can't understand why that is. I would think that there would be a "best" program out there for everything. Really however I'm just interested in an expert opinion.

Right now I am running disk defrag on a daily schedule. I regularly run ad-aware, spybot, ATF cleaner, and the disk cleanup tool. I just deleted a lot of junk on my desktop, a lot of programs/junk using the add/remove programs window, and went into the folder browser and manually deleted several things. I very rarely run scandisk (where you have to restart your comp). I don't think I have ever heard anyone mention it. Should I run it more often?

I used to have 3 antivirus programs, but someone recommended against that, so I only have Norton now. Would it be ok if I also installed AVG antivirus along with Norton?

Would it be beneficial to download all the antivirus' free trials as possible and do a scan on my computer with them just to make sure I don't have a hidden virus, and then uninstall them all?

Is the best way to do a full scan with an anti-virus (such as Norton) in safe mode?

Thank you. I know there are a lot of newbie questions on here, but these are the things I've always wondered, so I thought I might try to post my questions.

My main question is just how do I best optimize my computer for speed (besides what I'm already doing), and the secondary question...what is the best anti-virus. Is Norton any good?

Thanks a lot for reading.
Brad

HP Pavilion Media Center m8102n, Intel Core 2 Quad CPU 2.4 GHz, 289 GB HD space, 3GB RAM, Vista Home Premium 32-bit, GE Force 7350 LE video, DirectX 10, RealTek HD audio or VXI 7.02 Generic USB audio, and DVDRW

ftrain · 12-02-2007, 04:20 PM

Well dude.. i would just go with ad aware.. it wont really slow the comp down

somthing activly scanning such as norton avast etc.. will slow your comp down by taking resources... just go with a scanner like adaware that doesnt use resources..

EDIT: Norton sucks... seriously

**sobeit** · 12-02-2007, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ftrain

W

EDIT: Norton sucks... seriously

and thats your opinion. Over the years I have used nortons without any problems and the latest nortons has been completely rewritten. It does not use as much resources as in the past.

However, getting back to the original question, the more you have running in the background, the more resources its going to take away from other programs. Theres no need to run more than two utilities - have one for normal usage and second for a second opinoon but not run as often. For antivirus, only one should be installed however use an online one for a second opinion.

IMO, it is not necessary to have any of them to do any scans at startup.

~~Monty Python~~ · 12-02-2007, 09:01 PM

The opinion that "Norton sucks" is more than just an "average level" opinion. Computer experts around the world have a certain degree of consensus that the deficits in Symantec's Norton are beyond the "normal" realm of other problems with other software.

The list is long and tedious. Yes there are those that still use it, and even some that are considered to be "experts" themselves, but the majority of (let's call them) "Power Users" share a common belief that Norton is inherantly substandard compared to what else is available, particularly when comparing Norton (which you pay for) and AV software that is available for free.

Two supporting points are first, the stickie in the Securities sub-forum here, and second the existance of the Norton Removal Tool, distributed after years of world-wide complaints of the difficulty of getting rid of Norton once it had been installed on a system.

Personally I advise all my customers to get rid of Norton (and McAffee) even if they still have time on the subscriptions. It is better to get rid of it while your system is functional than to wait until such a time as there is a problem, and Norton's existance on the computer makes dealing with the situation so much worse.

**Go The Power** · 12-02-2007, 09:24 PM

Hello

My Comments are in Red Below:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Psychotron

I have been reading on different sites to download different anti-spyware programs. Right now I have:

1. Ad-aware
2. Spybot
3. IE Spyad w/ Zoned Out
4. PC pitstop driver alert
5. Spyware Blaster
6. ATF Cleaner
7. PC Pitstop Driver Alert
8. Hosts Xpert
9. Windows Defender

Will these slow down my system, or make it take longer to shut down and restart my comp? Is there anything on this list that I should not have? If it's not a big deal, does anyone recommend any more apps I should download or things to do to make my system better?

You list sounds pretty good. Personally I havent tried "PC Pitstop Driver Alert", so I cant give my opinion on that. I dont think you will need Windows Defender, IMO it is rubbish. I woulr reccommned that you read the link in my signature called "PC safety and security: What do I need?"

Also AVG antispyware and SUPERAntispyware are both very good AVS

If I install almost all of the reputable spyware removers and system optimizers, etc. on my comp, will it slow down my system? Will there be any negative consequences?

yes that will slow down your system by alot.

Right now I would opt for a faster computer over a secure one, so I would prefer speed over an increased possibility of a virus, etc (still want an anti-virus though). I'd like my comp to shut down and restart quickly, but of course it's not that big of a deal.

With that in mind...I was wondering what the computer "gurus" think is the best way I can optimize my computer? If you have a lot of experience, then what would/do you do, and what do you download for your comp? What programs should I download or buy? I'm willing to pay money for programs that I can buy at the store or pay to activate full versions of trial software, etc. if it will help optimize my computer or help my computer's speed. My system specifications are at the bottom of this post.

I dont personally use programs to optimize my computer, I have never seen a need for them. The only program I use is ATF cleaner to clean up all the junk.

Also, what is the best anti-virus that you would recommend?

I personally Like Avira Anitvir the best. It is free and very good. Here is a list of three very good free AV's.

My comp came with Norton 2007, and I just upgraded to Norton 2008 at the recommendation of an HP customer support specialist.

I realize these are subjective questions, but I can't understand why that is. I would think that there would be a "best" program out there for everything. Really however I'm just interested in an expert opinion.

Right now I am running disk defrag on a daily schedule. I regularly run ad-aware, spybot, ATF cleaner, and the disk cleanup tool. I just deleted a lot of junk on my desktop, a lot of programs/junk using the add/remove programs window, and went into the folder browser and manually deleted several things. I very rarely run scandisk (where you have to restart your comp). I don't think I have ever heard anyone mention it. Should I run it more often?

I dont think it is needed to be run regually unless there is a problem.

I used to have 3 antivirus programs, but someone recommended against that, so I only have Norton now. Would it be ok if I also installed AVG antivirus along with Norton?

Nope. Have more than on AV installed on as system at one time is a very bad idea. As the AV's Will conflict with each other and cause system instability.

Would it be beneficial to download all the antivirus' free trials as possible and do a scan on my computer with them just to make sure I don't have a hidden virus, and then uninstall them all?

I wouldn't recommend it. Same as I said above. You can do online scans for viruses (Use as many as you like). Here are some:

Panda
Kaspersky
Trend Micro

Is the best way to do a full scan with an anti-virus (such as Norton) in safe mode?

I think only if you cant remove an infection in normal mode you could try safe mode

Thank you. I know there are a lot of newbie questions on here, but these are the things I've always wondered, so I thought I might try to post my questions.

There is nothing wrong with asking questions :). Everyone has to learn somewhere

My main question is just how do I best optimize my computer for speed (besides what I'm already doing), and the secondary question...what is the best anti-virus. Is Norton any good?

If it is speed you want, dont go with Norton. It is a resource hog. Try some of the free suggestions I listed above

Thanks a lot for reading.
Brad

HP Pavilion Media Center m8102n, Intel Core 2 Quad CPU 2.4 GHz, 289 GB HD space, 3GB RAM, Vista Home Premium 32-bit, GE Force 7350 LE video, DirectX 10, RealTek HD audio or VXI 7.02 Generic USB audio, and DVDRW

Hope some of that helps

Infin1ty · 12-02-2007, 10:30 PM

Well here are my 2 cents on this matter, First of all I have used Kasperky for as long I have known about it. Its may very well be the least use of all resources and its pretty much worry free. Also, for spyware I use Spybot S&D, Free program (yea you heard right its free) along with all updates for all spyware. It seems to be almost unstopable, and neither will slow down your system at all, they use very little resources together. I have yet to be badly infected with any type of virus or bad spyware in a long long time, (probably the better part of 6 years). I hope these have helped you out, if you want fast start-ups and no hastles with all sorts of warnings, then buy Kaspersky (I never bother with free trails if I really like a program), and go get Spybot S&D (make sure you download it from Safer Networking). Get the updates, run it once every 2 weeks or so, and you should be ok. 8) Cheers!

12-01-2007, 10:33 PM	#1 (permalink)
Psychotron Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 52 OS: Vista	Newbie questions. Will anti-spyware, etc. slow down comp? Best way to optimize comp? I have been reading on different sites to download different anti-spyware programs. Right now I have: 1. Ad-aware 2. Spybot 3. IE Spyad w/ Zoned Out 4. PC pitstop driver alert 5. Spyware Blaster 6. ATF Cleaner 7. PC Pitstop Driver Alert 8. Hosts Xpert 9. Windows Defender Will these slow down my system, or make it take longer to shut down and restart my comp? Is there anything on this list that I should not have? If it's not a big deal, does anyone recommend any more apps I should download or things to do to make my system better? If I install almost all of the reputable spyware removers and system optimizers, etc. on my comp, will it slow down my system? Will there be any negative consequences? Right now I would opt for a faster computer over a secure one, so I would prefer speed over an increased possibility of a virus, etc (still want an anti-virus though). I'd like my comp to shut down and restart quickly, but of course it's not that big of a deal. With that in mind...I was wondering what the computer "gurus" think is the best way I can optimize my computer? If you have a lot of experience, then what would/do you do, and what do you download for your comp? What programs should I download or buy? I'm willing to pay money for programs that I can buy at the store or pay to activate full versions of trial software, etc. if it will help optimize my computer or help my computer's speed. My system specifications are at the bottom of this post. Also, what is the best anti-virus that you would recommend? My comp came with Norton 2007, and I just upgraded to Norton 2008 at the recommendation of an HP customer support specialist. I realize these are subjective questions, but I can't understand why that is. I would think that there would be a "best" program out there for everything. Really however I'm just interested in an expert opinion. Right now I am running disk defrag on a daily schedule. I regularly run ad-aware, spybot, ATF cleaner, and the disk cleanup tool. I just deleted a lot of junk on my desktop, a lot of programs/junk using the add/remove programs window, and went into the folder browser and manually deleted several things. I very rarely run scandisk (where you have to restart your comp). I don't think I have ever heard anyone mention it. Should I run it more often? I used to have 3 antivirus programs, but someone recommended against that, so I only have Norton now. Would it be ok if I also installed AVG antivirus along with Norton? Would it be beneficial to download all the antivirus' free trials as possible and do a scan on my computer with them just to make sure I don't have a hidden virus, and then uninstall them all? Is the best way to do a full scan with an anti-virus (such as Norton) in safe mode? Thank you. I know there are a lot of newbie questions on here, but these are the things I've always wondered, so I thought I might try to post my questions. My main question is just how do I best optimize my computer for speed (besides what I'm already doing), and the secondary question...what is the best anti-virus. Is Norton any good? Thanks a lot for reading. Brad HP Pavilion Media Center m8102n, Intel Core 2 Quad CPU 2.4 GHz, 289 GB HD space, 3GB RAM, Vista Home Premium 32-bit, GE Force 7350 LE video, DirectX 10, RealTek HD audio or VXI 7.02 Generic USB audio, and DVDRW Last edited by Psychotron : 12-01-2007 at 10:41 PM. Reason: system specs

12-02-2007, 04:20 PM	#2 (permalink)
ftrain Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Austin, Tx Posts: 12 OS: Windows XP SP 2	Re: Newbie questions. Will anti-spyware, etc. slow down comp? Best way to optimize co Well dude.. i would just go with ad aware.. it wont really slow the comp down somthing activly scanning such as norton avast etc.. will slow your comp down by taking resources... just go with a scanner like adaware that doesnt use resources.. EDIT: Norton sucks... seriously __________________ zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz Last edited by ftrain : 12-02-2007 at 04:22 PM.

12-02-2007, 09:01 PM	#4 (permalink)
~~Monty Python~~ Troubled Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 462 OS: Vista 32-bit Ultimate	Re: Newbie questions. Will anti-spyware, etc. slow down comp? Best way to optimize co The opinion that "Norton sucks" is more than just an "average level" opinion. Computer experts around the world have a certain degree of consensus that the deficits in Symantec's Norton are beyond the "normal" realm of other problems with other software. The list is long and tedious. Yes there are those that still use it, and even some that are considered to be "experts" themselves, but the majority of (let's call them) "Power Users" share a common belief that Norton is inherantly substandard compared to what else is available, particularly when comparing Norton (which you pay for) and AV software that is available for free. Two supporting points are first, the stickie in the Securities sub-forum here, and second the existance of the Norton Removal Tool, distributed after years of world-wide complaints of the difficulty of getting rid of Norton once it had been installed on a system. Personally I advise all my customers to get rid of Norton (and McAffee) even if they still have time on the subscriptions. It is better to get rid of it while your system is functional than to wait until such a time as there is a problem, and Norton's existance on the computer makes dealing with the situation so much worse.

12-02-2007, 10:30 PM	#6 (permalink)
Infin1ty Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 9 OS: Windows XP Home SP2	Re: Newbie questions. Will anti-spyware, etc. slow down comp? Best way to optimize co Well here are my 2 cents on this matter, First of all I have used Kasperky for as long I have known about it. Its may very well be the least use of all resources and its pretty much worry free. Also, for spyware I use Spybot S&D, Free program (yea you heard right its free) along with all updates for all spyware. It seems to be almost unstopable, and neither will slow down your system at all, they use very little resources together. I have yet to be badly infected with any type of virus or bad spyware in a long long time, (probably the better part of 6 years). I hope these have helped you out, if you want fast start-ups and no hastles with all sorts of warnings, then buy Kaspersky (I never bother with free trails if I really like a program), and go get Spybot S&D (make sure you download it from Safer Networking). Get the updates, run it once every 2 weeks or so, and you should be ok. 8) Cheers!