Expert: Carolyn Meinel - 11/22/2008

Question
Hi,

I use XP and a subscription to McAfee (but I'm considering changing to Norton 360).

I've read very good reviews of Spyware Doctor. But Spyware Doctor says it shouldn't be loaded with McAfee or Norton. In general, I've read that you shouldn't use more than one anti-virus and/or anti-spyware program.

Is this correct? If so, does McAfee or Norton handle spyware (as opposed to non-spyware viruses, if there is a diffence)?

In other words, is using just Norton 360 (or McAfee)all I need? If not, what about the conflicct issue?

Many thsnks,

Steve

Answer
McAfee and Norton are correct, Spyware Doctor conflicts with them.

With both McAfee and Norton, if you buy their total Internet security products, they will also protect against spyware.

The difference between spyware/adware and the malware types that antivirus programs defend against (viruses, worms, some kinds of trojans etc.) is that spyware tends to be something you install yourself, even though you install it by accident. It may be a link you click on, a file you download thinking you are getting something you want, that sort of thing. You might even have clicked OK on some sort of EULA (end user license agreement) for a program that includes a spyware function.