Expert: Lorry - 7/30/2009

Question
I have Webroot AntiVirus and AntiSpyware software on my personal computer. (I recently renewed/downloaded the latest version.) Is this sufficient?  Previously, I also had Trend Micro AntiVirus and AntiSpyware (on the recommendation of a Best Buy Geek Squader who of course was SELLING it to me.)   Do I really need both????   Thanks for any advice you can provide. Susanne

Answer
Hi Susanne,

Viruses and spyware are two different things. A virus is program or piece of code that is loaded onto your computer without your knowledge and runs against your wishes. Viruses can also replicate themselves. All computer viruses are manmade. A simple virus that can make a copy of itself over and over again is relatively easy to produce. Even such a simple virus is dangerous because it will quickly use all available memory and bring the system to a halt. An even more dangerous type of virus is one capable of transmitting itself across networks and bypassing security systems.

Regarding spyware: Any software that covertly gathers user information through the user's Internet connection without his or her knowledge, usually for advertising purposes. Spyware applications are typically bundled as a hidden component of freeware or shareware programs that can be downloaded from the Internet; however, it should be noted that the majority of shareware and freeware applications do not come with spyware. Once installed, the spyware monitors user activity on the Internet and transmits that information in the background to someone else. Spyware can also gather information about e-mail addresses and even passwords and credit card numbers.

Spyware is similar to a Trojan horse in that users unwittingly install the product when they install something else. A common way to become a victim of spyware is to download certain peer-to-peer file swapping products that are available today.

Both of the above descriptions are from webopedia.com as they explain it better than I could.

As you have the paid version of Webroot AntiVirus and AntiSpyware, that is all you should need. Make sure you update it and run a scan once a week.

You should never have more than one anti-virus or spyware program running at the same time, otherwise they might conflict with on another or give you a false report.

Hope this helps!
Lorry