Are they adequate and compatible?

Hi everyone. I just recently got a laptop. I have been reading on various forums regarding security issues. Everyone seems to have a different opinion and I feel lost with the vast amount of options available out there. Can someone please tell me if the following setup is adequate and compatible with each other? Thanks

Currently I have:
1) Windows XP2
2) Firefox
3) CCleaner
4) AVG 7.5
5) Ad-Aware 2007
6) Spybot- Search & Destory

Planning to install:
1) Online Armor

 

Choose 1 antivirus, choose 1 antispyware, and choose 1 firewall.

 

Thanks for the reply. Is my setup adequate then? If it is then I won't bother installing Online Armor. If not, what other programs or changes would you recommend? Thanks.

 

I agree with Lithus, except for the single antispyware program. NO single app is sufficient to find all spyware/adware. IMHO, you should choose at least two, the most common seemingly chosen are: Spybot and Adaware (not saying those should be your choices, Calvin, just that they're the most commonly used apps AFAIK). I use CounterSpy, though it is not a free app, SpywareBlaster and Adaware.

Some of the features of SpywareBlaster and CounterSpy are redundant, so I turn off CounterSpy's ability to actively protect. I think SpywareBlaster does a better job.

 

I would recommend Spywareblaster and Spybot S&D too works well for me.

 

Thanks so much for your suggestions! Do I have to go to Security Center and turn off the XP2 firewall after I install OA? Or can I run both?

 

OA installer should turn off the XP firewall. if it doesn't then you can safely disable it through the security center.

 

Looks good to me. I run a similar setup.

You should also add SpywareBlaster and Windows Defender.

 

IMO the rule is only one resident antispyware, and by resident (a.k.a. real-time) I mean that it runs in the background all the time. There's no harm in keeping a second one around to run a scan once in a while or if you think you might be infected... just turn off the real-time scanning.

That said, I have a new laptop, so far I'm only running Vista Firewall, Defender, and Avast. However, I'll probably install Adaware or Spybot as a secondary non-real-time scanner when I get around to it.

 

That's what I meant. Sorry. Feel free to load up on non-active scanners like Spybot S&D.

 

Does Spybot Search & Destroy run in real time? I know the Ad-Aware free version doesn't but I am not sure about Spybot. How essential is it for the anti-spyware program to run in real time? Thanks again

 

I use threatfire for real time protection and Comodo firewall with defense + off. Then I sweep manually with SuperAntiSpyware. My anti Virus is Avira. I also am behind a WPA protected router. So I have layers of protection. Best way to go..give it a shot.