Back in the early to mid 1990's, there was this very popular AOL message board called "Friends Helping Friends" or something to that effect. One of the popular questions then was about whether it was possible to run two different anti virus programs on the same computer at the same time. There would be hundreds of answers, each in differing tones of authoritativeness but mostly providing no help at all. Many of us learned the true answer to the question long ago but I wondered if the same question is still being asked today.
I decided to go to Yahoo Answers to satisfy my curiosity. There was indeed a question posted two months ago asking that very question. The exact question was if one could run AVG and Zone Alarm in tandem. I scrolled down the page and the first six persons who answered all said no, he could not. I went back to the top of the page and it said that there were a total of twenty-six answers to the question and it was quite amazing for me that after more than ten years, not much has changed.
First, for those who are unfamiliar, AVG is an antivirus program while Zone Alarm is a firewall. Meaning these two are distinctly different programs, each executing its unique functions in securing your personal computer. And it is perfectly alright to run an anti virus program and a firewall at the same time. Scanning through that particular message, of the twenty-six answers given, eleven said that it was not alright to run both programs. The others were a mix bag of opinions while not providing definitive answers. Only three answered outright that it was okay. Three correct answers out of twenty-six, an unfortunate and dangerous number especially for the inexperienced user.
It was unfortunate because the person who posted the question appeared to have a valid question although he obviously is mixed up as to what each program is and does. It became dangerous because of the overwhelming amount of wrong answers he received. Unless he made further inquiries, his personal computer was denied adequate security due to all the wrong information he received. I searched further if there was any other message thread of the same nature. One was posted over a week ago, with seven answers to a similar question. This time, the percentage was slightly better with four of the seven providing the correct answer, that running two antivirus programs at the same time is not good.
Pause for a moment though and think about the percentage. If you add the answers of both messages, only seven out of thirty-three or 21% knew what they were doing with their computer's security software. Not having enough understanding of the programs you install on your computer can turn out to be more of a problem. Headaches arise when some programs begin to conflict with others, or with some of the installed hardware. Understandably this leaves the inexperienced user at a loss.
Computer security software are a necessity given the number of cyber criminals out to attack your computer and steal your personal information these days. Most of the reputable antivirus vendors offer an entire suite of security programs for your computer, each not in conflict with each other. When in need of more information, go directly to the vendor's website because extensive information about their products are usually available there. But if you are feeling adventurous and would like to try different invidual programs in tandem with each other, make sure you are armed with the knowhow to do so. If your computer is essential to your work or business, using the wrong information serves only as a hindrance your productivity.
We've all experienced moments in our life when we hear ourselves say ?YES? to a job, person or situation we know deep in our heart isn't right for us. And still we do it. As soon as ?yes? leaves our lips somewhere in us we hear a voice that screams ?NO! Don't do it!? but somehow another part of us kicks in and our mind overrules the wisdom of our body and we find ourselves on a path we never intended.
Sometimes these wrong turns can be detrimental to our wellbeing. They cause stress and put us in danger of losing ourselves indefinitely. Other times we immediately realize our ?yes? has led to an ?o-oh? and we decide right then and there to go back to the beginning and start again.
Either way, when you find yourself in a sticky situation, only you have the power to declare you took a wrong turn and only you can decide when it's time to get back on track. These tips may help.
Be honest with yourself. Admit, as quickly as possible, you made a choice that led you down the wrong path. Nothing will change until you personally acknowledge the decision you made isn't working for you. The sooner, the better. Be willing to take 100% responsibility for the choices you make for your life.
Plan an exit strategy. Once you've admitted to yourself you're on the wrong path, decide how you're going to get back on track. In some situations it may be necessary for you to stop what you're doing immediately. Most of the time, a fast exit may lead to even more stress and poor decision making. Take the time you need to get very clear on what it is you do want, and get back on track one step at a time.
Be gentle with yourself. Beating yourself up will only damage your self esteem. Realize everyone takes wrong turns ? even the most successful individuals take several wrong turns before getting it right. Remember, life is ten percent how we make it and ninety percent how we take it.
Look for the lesson. There are no mistakes and there's always a lesson to be learned ? and even a blessing. What did taking a wrong turn teach you about yourself? Do you need to listen to your gut more and others less? Do you need to finally listen to your heart and follow its calling? Do you need to value yourself more? Do you need to redefine what success means to you?
Do better next time. Life is full of second chances. Be willing to take them! Let go of the past and commit to do whatever it takes to get back on the right track. The wisdom you've gained from taking a wrong turn will help you do better next time.
There's only one way to live life on your right track. Listen to your heart. It holds the secret to your happiness and the key to your success.
Both F. Aldo & Cari Vollmer are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
F. Aldo has sinced written about articles on various topics from Treadmill Exercises, Fitness and computers and the internet. Webmaster of and just happy to be of help! Come and share your. F. Aldo's top article generates over 4400 views. to your Favourites.
Cari Vollmer has sinced written about articles on various topics from Information Technology, Family Concerns and Copywriting. Cari Vollmer, personal growth expert, is the founder of LifeOnTrack.com and InspireYourDay.com. For practical life strategies and success tips, sign up for LifeOnTrack.com's FREE e-zine, LivingOnTrack, at. Cari Vollmer's top article generates over 14800 views. to your Favourites.