[bspkumar]

My PC is booting very slow. Is it required to enable the antivirus software to run during the startup?

[blitzkreig]

yes, it is required
U know what the problem is?
Sometimes malware tend to disable antivirus and antispyware programs. So if it is not in your startup list, there is a likely chance that if your computer has been affected by one such malware your AV or AS might not respond. So I recomend the auto start of ur AV. Btw, which AV are you using?

[hrlow2]

No, it is not a requirement,although it is recommended.At the very least, have a good one installed,keep it updated and do frequent scans.
Same with any antispyware programs.

[blitzkreig]

Why not cut down on some start up programs which don't really need to run at startup?

[blues_harp28]

It is not required but if you go online without it being enabled>you are open to being infected.

Let us know what you have running at startup.
Start>run>type
msconfig
Click on startup.