Is it okay to install an antivirus if there is a malwarebytes already?

[nexan29]

Hello, May I ask if its okay to install any anti virus if you have already a malwarebytes installed already?
If no, what is the complication that will arise if I install any anti virus?

 

[oxymoron02]

There shouldn't be any great conflict from installing both. Malwarebytes is used more as a when-needed scanner, whereas a dedicated antivirus will constantly protect the system it is installed on.

I use Avira Antivirus which is free and provides excellent coverage. Others swear by such programs as AVG for a free antivirus, or one of the best paid ones is NOD32 which I did have for a year on both of my machines and as expected experienced no viruses that it could not handle

 

[Mintos45]

Chances are you already have an antivirus installed - installing two anti virus softwares can cause trouble.
As oxy said, malwarebytes only scans when you activate it. Other antivirus softwares scan your computer 24/7. I use Microsoft Security Essentials, but you can use Norton, NOD32, McAfee, whatever floats your boat. Just remember to make sure there isn't any existing antivirus scanner in your system before you install a new one.

 

[nexan29]

Really?
Thanks for all of your response, by the way do you have an installer of full version of malwarebytes coz my application seems to be outdated and I cannot find any that is free right now.

 

[Mintos45]

Nope. I just use MSE and set it to autoscan every week at 5PM on Sunday.

 

[Golden]

Hello, May I ask if its okay to install any anti virus if you have already a malwarebytes installed already?
If no, what is the complication that will arise if I install any anti virus?

Hi,

Yes, its OK to install a traditional anti-virus alongside Malwarebytes - they will compliment each other resulting in a layered security defense. The most common anti-virus solutions do not conflict with Malwarebytes, even if it is the paid resident version.

Regards,
Golden

 

[gigagiggles]

"by the way do you have an installer of full version of malwarebytes coz my application seems to be outdated and I cannot find any that is free right now."

There is a free version of Malwarebytes that is a non-active on-demand anti-malware scanner. If what you have is the Pro version, albeit outdated and no longer valid license-wise, then your original question takes an interesting turn and requires a different answer than what has been offered.

 

[Curious Mew]

I have had Norton and Malwarebytes installed on my computer for years, and they work in perfect tandem with each other--no interference as far as I can see. The Pro version of Malwarebytes can block malware attacks in real-time, whenever you accidentally or (intentionally) visit a malicious website. It's a great feature, but I would refrain from taking full-on advantage of it :devil:

If you're looking for a free antivirus, I would actually suggest looking into something paid. In my opinion, you do get what you pay for. On my computer I have managed to stick with Norton, only because that is what the factory had installed on it. Optimally speaking, my computer just seems to run smoother this way.

p.s. Last I knew, PRO version of MBAM is a lifetime subscription. If this is still the case, do buy it

 

[oxymoron02]

Norton's ability to provide decent heuristic detection updates has waned in the last few years; that's why the sales 'advisors' in companies like PC World (UK) try to get you to buy it. They have a massive pressure from above because PC World and Norton as companies are in bed with each other, so to speak.

The main free antivirus programs also block attacks in real-time, even Norton; so it's not just Malwarebytes. In fact if you're using Malwarebytes there is no need in having Norton installed at all; MBAM's heuristics are far superior to Norton's!

Note: Using MBAM alone, whether free or pro, is not recommended! Always use a dedicated antivirus program be it Norton (coughcoughdon'ttouchcough) or something like AVG, Avira, NOD32 etc.

 

[Curious Mew]

Norton's ability to provide decent heuristic detection updates has waned in the last few years; that's why the sales 'advisors' in companies like PC World (UK) try to get you to buy it. They have a massive pressure from above because PC World and Norton as companies are in bed with each other, so to speak.

The main free antivirus programs also block attacks in real-time, even Norton; so it's not just Malwarebytes. In fact if you're using Malwarebytes there is no need in having Norton installed at all; MBAM's heuristics are far superior to Norton's!

Only stating my own personal experience, MBAM works well with Norton.

Now whether Norton works better as an antivirus or not is a whole other thread of its own. You will never find a solid competitor, that is just all there is to it. However when it comes down to free vs. paid, paid does have a better reason to update its definitions.

 

[Layback Bear]

Their are many anti virus programs that will protect your computer some better than others. I and many others here have choosen MSE.
Microsoft Security Essentials - Free Antivirus for Windows
It's made by Microsoft for Microsoft operating systems.
I like many use Malwarebytes Anti Malware with no problems at all. I have use the free one and now I use the Pro active with MSE and no problems. When you read through this Forum you will find that some 3rd party anti virus don't get along with Windows 7 for what ever reason.

 

[DavidE]

Norton's ability to provide decent heuristic detection updates has waned in the last few years; that's why the sales 'advisors' in companies like PC World (UK) try to get you to buy it. They have a massive pressure from above because PC World and Norton as companies are in bed with each other, so to speak.

The main free antivirus programs also block attacks in real-time, even Norton; so it's not just Malwarebytes. In fact if you're using Malwarebytes there is no need in having Norton installed at all; MBAM's heuristics are far superior to Norton's!

It sounds like you are saying a real-time Anti-Virus program is not needed if Malwarebytes Pro (real-time) is used.
That's not true and is bad advice.
MBAM is designed to be used WITH a real-time Anti-Virus program.

Here is an MBAM forum thread about this:
Free version vs. the Pro Version...a few questions.... - Malwarebytes Forum

 

[oxymoron02]

No, if you read what I said there is no need to have Norton installed. A technicality, but one which preemptively wins this "argument" before it starts.

 

[Britton30]

Norton and MalwareBytes free are fine to run side by side. MBAM has an entirely different engine than Norton and the free version has no active protection.

 

[DavidE]

No, if you read what I said there is no need to have Norton installed. A technicality, but one which preemptively wins this "argument" before it starts.

OK, you win the argument.

I said "It sounds like you are saying a real-time Anti-Virus program is not needed".
That was the impression i had reading your post.

Your post/advice did not also state that a person should also use a different AV program if Norton is not used.
That is why i posted as I did.

Sorry i misunderstood...

 

[oxymoron02]

It was my fault anyway for not being more clear. Editing post in question~

 

[DavidE]

Thank-you for editing to clarify this!