Windows 7: Windows Defender and Avast?

lostsoul62 · 09 Dec 2009

For Spyware in the Action Center it says that Windows Defender and Avast are running and then it has a note says that 2 spyware programs can slow down your computer. Avast is a anti virus software and I didn't know it was for Spyware to. So should a Virus checker just do the virus checking only and let Windows Defender guard against Spyware only? Are just let the 2 work together on the Spyware?

Jonathan_King · 09 Dec 2009

What is the difference between Spyware and Viruses? I know, they like to define each thing slightly differently, buy to us, it's just malware. Avast! should take care of it all.

Brink · 09 Dec 2009

Having Avast and Windows Defender running together is fine. Personally, I'm using Avast and Microsoft Security Essentials (instead of Windows Defender). I have not had any problems with these two running together.

Jonathan_King · 09 Dec 2009

Quote: Originally Posted by Brink

Having Avast and Windows Defender running together is fine. Personally, I'm using Avast and Microsoft Security Essentials (instead of Windows Defender). I have not had any problems with these two running together.

Totally agree. Running the two together will only slow down your system a little, not anything more.

kbz1960 · 19 Mar 2010

Quote: Originally Posted by Brink

Having Avast and Windows Defender running together is fine. Personally, I'm using Avast and Microsoft Security Essentials (instead of Windows Defender). I have not had any problems with these two running together.

Sorry to bring up such an old thread but Brink I've always heard and read you should never run 2 antivirus at the same time. Or are you not running MSE's antivirus real time?

Brink · 19 Mar 2010

Hello KBZ,

Normally you wouldn't since they may conflict with each other and could slow down a slower system. However, MSE and Avast worked together to make sure that they do not conflict with each other. As long as you have a decent system you can safely run these two together in real time if you like for better protection.

ulmis · 19 Jan 2011

Stupid question: is there a reason why I should run both MSE and Avast? Why not just either of them?

Jonathan_King · 19 Jan 2011

Quote: Originally Posted by ulmis

Stupid question: is there a reason why I should run both MSE and Avast? Why not just either of them?

Running either of them is fine; most people just use one or the other. If you wanted to run both, for double security, it would be fine.

Golden · 19 Jan 2011

Quote: Originally Posted by ulmis

Stupid question: is there a reason why I should run both MSE and Avast? Why not just either of them?

Hi,

The best security is a layered arrangement (more than one product). If malware bypasses one software, it might get caught by the other, but not always. By having two different non-conflicting products, you increase the odds in your favour.

Here is some background info for you:

What's the Best Anti-Malware?

Questions? Don't hesitate to ask.

Regards,
Golden

CanIHaz · 20 Jan 2011

Quote: Originally Posted by ulmis

Stupid question: is there a reason why I should run both MSE and Avast? Why not just either of them?

There no reason to run both of them at the same time unless you're very paranoid. Running either one is fine with a sandbox/virtualization type of program and a couple of on-demand scanner. But if you insist on running both of them, make sure you exclude them from each other so that they wont interfere with each other during a detection or an update.

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