[Tenmakk]

I have been reading on different sites to download different anti-spyware programs. Right now I have:

1. Ad-aware
2. Spybot
3. IE Spyad w/ Zoned Out
4. PC pitstop driver alert
5. Spyware Blaster
6. ATF Cleaner
7. PC Pitstop Driver Alert
8. Hosts Xpert
9. Windows Defender

Will these slow down my system, or make it take longer to shut down and restart my comp? Is there anything on this list that I should not have? If it's not a big deal, does anyone recommend any more apps I should download or things to do to make my system better?

If I install almost all of the reputable spyware removers and system optimizers, etc. on my comp, will it slow down my system? Will there be any negative consequences?

Right now I would opt for a faster computer over a secure one, so I would prefer speed over an increased possibility of a virus, etc (still want an anti-virus though). I'd like my comp to shut down and restart quickly, but of course it's not that big of a deal.

With that in mind...I was wondering what the computer "gurus" think is the best way I can optimize my computer? If you have a lot of experience, then what would/do you do, and what do you download for your comp? What programs should I download or buy? I'm willing to pay money for programs that I can buy at the store or pay to activate full versions of trial software, etc. if it will help optimize my computer or help my computer's speed. My system specifications are at the bottom of this post.


Also, what is the best anti-virus that you would recommend?

My comp came with Norton 2007, and I just upgraded to Norton 2008 at the recommendation of an HP customer support specialist.

I realize these are subjective questions, but I can't understand why that is. I would think that there would be a "best" program out there for everything. Really however I'm just interested in an expert opinion.

Right now I am running disk defrag on a daily schedule. I regularly run ad-aware, spybot, ATF cleaner, and the disk cleanup tool. I just deleted a lot of junk on my desktop, a lot of programs/junk using the add/remove programs window, and went into the folder browser and manually deleted several things. I very rarely run scandisk (where you have to restart your comp). I don't think I have ever heard anyone mention it. Should I run it more often?

I used to have 3 antivirus programs, but someone recommended against that, so I only have Norton now. Would it be ok if I also installed AVG antivirus along with Norton?

Would it be beneficial to download all the antivirus' free trials as possible and do a scan on my computer with them just to make sure I don't have a hidden virus, and then uninstall them all?

Is the best way to do a full scan with an anti-virus (such as Norton) in safe mode?

Thank you. I know there are a lot of newbie questions on here, but these are the things I've always wondered, so I thought I might try to post my questions.

My main question is just how do I best optimize my computer for speed (besides what I'm already doing), and the secondary question...what is the best anti-virus. Is Norton any good?

Thanks a lot for reading.
Brad

HP Pavilion Media Center m8102n, Intel Core 2 Quad CPU 2.4 GHz, 289 GB HD space, 3GB RAM, Vista Home Premium 32-bit, GE Force 7350 LE video, DirectX 10, RealTek HD audio or VXI 7.02 Generic USB audio, and DVDRW

[Broni]

As a rule, you use:
1 firewall
1 antivirus
* Norton is not the best program around, and it's a resource hog, but since you bought it, you'll have to live with it until it expires.
* Using more then one of each is asking for problems (conflict).
As for antispyware programs, you can have as many, as you want, however, I wouldn't use more then 2 as startups, since you want fast computer.
Your computer specs look very good, but the lower number of startups, the better (this is another thing to check).
As for antispyware, I'd keep Spyware Blaster as a startup program, and I'd add a-squared: http://www.emsisoft.com/en/software/free/
You may want to run others, you have once in a while, or when any problem arises.

In addition, you want to keep your computer clean of garbage, and for that purpose, you want to get CCleaner: www.ccleaner.com

Once a month, you want to run defrag. I recommend free jkDefrag: http://www.kessels.com/JkDefrag/ instead of Windows defrag.

That's about it. If you have more questions, please, ask.

[Glaswegian]

I agree with Broni, and would also throw in

Spyware Guard to catch and block spyware before it can execute.

The MVPS Hosts file replaces your current HOSTS file with one that will restrict known ad sites from serving you unsolicited advertisements. Basically, this prevents your computer from connecting to those sites by redirecting them to 127.0.0.1 which is the IP of your local computer.