[Voodoo Thumb]

I'm trying to help a friend who is even less technically inclined than myself with a Dell laptop a few years old running Windows XP. She wants free antivirus (she wants Avast) and the free version of Spyware Doctor that you can get off the google pack. It is my understanding, if I'm not mistaken, that this version of Spyware Dr. is anti spyware only, not anti virus.
Is Avast anti virus and this version of Spyware Doctor compatible? Will having both of them on the same computer cause any problems?
Thank you, help is greatly appreciated.

[Phantom010]

The most recommended anti-spyware programs here on TSG are Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware and SuperAntiSpyware. You can get both for free and run weekly scans. If you want real-time scanning, you'll have to get the paid versions. However, remember not to run more than one in real-time... They both work with Avast.

[Voodoo Thumb]

I will certainly consider these anti spyware programs you recommended, but since I already have installed the free version of Spyware Dr, I'm hoping someone will tell me if it is compatible with Avast. I'm guessing it probably is, since these other anti spyware programs are.

[vinces707]

Yes it is compatible. But there is not much reason to run Spyware Doctor. Most every AV product on the market (except Spyware Doctor's own AV product) include Antispyware. Spyware Doctor will be redundant to Avast. Plus it will constantly ask your friend to pay money and upgrade.....