How Much Protection is Enough?

I currently use CounterSpy, Ad-aware, Spyware Blaster and Spybot S& D to identify and root out spyware/malware. Of course I have a software firewall (Kerio) and a hardware firewall (Linksys router) along with a continually updating antivirus program (NOD32). Recently I saw that AVG was giving out (free) a lite version of their anti-spyware program. The question is... would installing it be overkill? Would it play nicely with what I now have? When does something become too much of a good thing?

 

James, you look good to go with layered protection per keeping bad guys out. The other half is layered backup .. keeping in mind, nothing can protect 100%.
Currently I create image backups of my C partition (primary OS drive). I create a new image every week (manual). I also have data backup (daily automatic). All the above information is stored on my D partition (internal) with redundant copies of all the above stored on my E drive (external).

 

Hi James,

Do much the same as Dennis & Pete - big load off my mind that I can go back to an OS Image in case of catastrophe.

Also a very big advantage in having the OS and the user data on seperate partitions/drives. Any OS re install/repair would not put user data at risk if on a seperate partition.

And I would use AVG Anti-Spyware (lite) which I'm quessing is the former Ewido as another scanning app. Be warned that it will want to auto start

Regards - Charles

 

Since my last post, installed the latest 7.5.0.50 version and it is Ewido with some minor UI changes.

Changes internally are always "new and improved"

Use as an on demand scanner, still wants to insert itself to the autostart entries

Regards - Charles

 

And please coordinate all of your "Guards. "

You really do not want active guard protection running from five applications.

In the case of AVG, use the services.msc snap-in and set the Service component to disabled.

CounterSpy, Ad-aware, Spyware Blaster and Spybot S& D all have Option settings.

I would leave CounterSpy, and appropriately configure SpywareBlaster; and disable Guards on all the rest.