Security

[Pell Mell]

I have been using Avast anti-virus for a long time. Now, and I don't know how I got it, I also have microsoft security essentials.

Both of these are running but are slowing my computer way down.

Question: How good is the MS Security essentials. I want to shut one of these down because I don't see the need to run both.

Thanks for any help.

[headhawg]

I have mentioned this before here, I think. Never, ever run more than one anti-virus program at the same time. Not only will your protection be less comprehensive you are noticing the slowdown that results from doing so. Nothing is going to be 100% effective but the M$ Security Essentials program has gotten positive reviews. I would still couple that with some anti-spyware software such as Malwarebytes or SuperAntiSpyware though.

Personally if I were going to use a free AV program I would choose the one from Avira. It's got great protection but it is admittedly a little slow. I currently use Nod32 from Eset which is not free.