Can I install 2 antivirus at the same time, i.e., AVG and AVAST?

Posted by kent on December 1st, 2009

The following post in our Reader Question series is an actual user submitted question. To maintain the integrity of the original question, we do not edit or change reader questions in any way.

Q: Can I install 2 antivirus at the same time, i.e., AVG and AVAST?

A: While it seems that the two products used in combination would make you safer (like using a seatbelt and an airbag), most experts agree that multiple Internet security software installations can actually conflict with one another. Since the programs are working diligently behind the scenes to keep your computer safe, the firewall activity of one product may look like an exploit to the other.

Now, it would probably be ok to use a program like Avast! for your complete security (firewall, antivirus, antispyware, etc.), and the on-demand virus scanner from another program for additional scans. But you need to be sure that only the on-demand scanner is installed, and that the installation does not uninstall any important components from your complete security solution.

If you really want a second opinion, try occasionally running an online scan from a reputable company like Symantec or McAfee. These run right from your web browser. Just be sure it's from a trustworthy company, such as those we've reviewed. There are a number of fake "free virus scan" sites that will actually deposit more viruses on your hard drive than you had to begin with.