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.