Thread: Which spyware killer is right?

I installed the latest subscription-paid versions of Zonealarm Security Suite, PC Tools Spyware Doctor and Adaware on my computer, and they all open on startup. I understand from reading reviews that they're all good, but I'm not sure I need them. I'd like to reduce the cost of what I currently pay for maintenance and security, and I'm sure there must be some duplication of function and perhaps also conflicts that could result in poor performance. Could you please advise which of these I should retain and which I should not renew?

You're right that those programs are all doing roughly the same thing, and it's possible there's some conflict going on. All three provide some anti- spyware features - for Ad-aware and Spyware Doctor, that's their main focus. While anti-spyware programs rarely conflict with each other, there's no real reason to pay for two.

You don't say which version of Spyware Doctor you're using, but if it's the most expensive one, it also comes with anti-virus and other security software. In that case, it may conflict with Zonealarm's security features.

So, if you're using the full Spyware Doctor with Anti-virus, the choice is between Zonealarm and Spyware Doctor, both of which cover the same areas.

If you're using only the basic paid-for Spyware Doctor, then you can un install it because Zonealarm Security Suite covers it. In either case, the function of Ad-aware is covered by both of the other programs. All three are good products, but in your case it makes sense to keep Zonealarm Security Suite on its own.