Virus Scan while On line

I have Zone Alarm running while I'm on line should I also have my McAfee virus scan running in the background? I rather shut it down to conserve resources, except when checking E-mail.

Thanks in advance.

 

Opinions will differ. Running real time protection does help guard against user error ( "Oh-no-oh-no-oh-no - I didn’t mean to press "Open" "!!!). On the other hand, if you (and others who use the machine) are cautious about what files are opened and the source of those files, then there’s little to be gained from real-time protection (queue a chorus of disapproval!).

I have yet to suffer any adverse consequences through running only an on-demand scanner.

BTW - don’t assume that a file is safe just because it slips by ZA’s Mailsafe feature!

 

I feel it is best to leave full time scanning enabled.

E-Mail is not the only place a Virus can come from.

A virus can get in from an infected Web site or Messengers or Chat rooms.

And just one HUH OH !! I forgot can take away a lot more than resources. If resource usage is high it would be better to shut something(s) down that do not need to be running full time.

BillyBob

 

To run or not to run seems to be a matter of personal choice. I prefer to save resourses, but if others use the computer I would let it run.

 

Harpost--I personally would have both running all the time (except not the AV when installing a new program). But if resources really are a problem, I could forgo always running the AV (if, as has been recommended, you rigorously practice safe interneting/emailing). But I would keep the firewall to pick up attempts of spyware to dial out. And if you are running DSL or cable (always on), there could be the rare attempt to hack yr PC through an open port.