I am now using zone alarm security suite. I have read that it's good to have more than one anti-spyware program. Do I need it? Can I have 2 programs active or only one?Can you recommend a second program if it's needed.

Quick answer. Only run one firewall {software}, however, the argument is that because spy-ware is such a moving target it is better to run scans using different software. My own view is to add Comodo BOClean which rather than scanning for a specific actively looks for spy-ware activity based on a profile, and closes it down. I tested this recently and found it to be very effective. I still on occasion scan using SpyBot search and destroy but Comodo seems to be very effective and is running on this machine as I type.

Set Up

Virus Scanner NOD32

Firewall Zone Alarm {pro but not suite}

Comodo BOClean.

Links:-

BOClean

NOD 32

Zone Alarm

/edit ZA clarification//

I use none. Using safe practices in surfing and installing software means that you just don't get spyware, period. A virus scanner and firewall are still necessary, but that's about it. Adware/spyware can be avoided if you know what you're doing, and anti-adware/spyware programs can be as bad, if not worse, than the stuff they're protecting you from.

I'd say 2 is for max protection.

I use Ad Aware.

I use Windows Defender as it scans in real time and uses few resources. AdAware, spybot, etc are good for a backup.

I use BitDefender Anti virus Plus. It has anti spyware built in as well as a firewall. I also use Spy Sweeper. They seem to work well together.

I use Windows Defender as it scans in real time and uses few resources. AdAware, spybot, etc are good for a backup.

I use Windows Defender too because it came with my new Vista and AdAware isn't compatible with Vista yet.

With windows Defender, do I need to manually run a scan from time to time? Or, is it automatically running at any one time?

I'm a bit confused because when I log on to Defender, an indicator already says that my computer is running normally with no malicious software. However, despite that, there's still an option to run a scan.

If it's already running a scan in real time, why is there still an option to run a scan?

I use Windows Defender as it scans in real time and uses few resources.

are you talking vista here ?

i binned it , with xp , it's up there with norton .