Supplementary Anti-Malware Products & McAfee Total Protection

I apologize if this is the wrong section for this sort of question but I
have a question about some programs I've seen recommended to other
users on the website...

I've heard that you shouldn't have more
than one type of security program running at the same time (for example,
just one anti-virus, one firewall, one anti-malware, etc.). I have the
McAfee Total Protection program that includes an anti-virus, a firewall,
and a spyware/malware protection thing. Would that conflict with the
programs you've recommended (such as SpywareBlaster, Spybot Search &
Destroy, AdAware SE, etc.)? Which ones would get along with these
McAfee products?

I already have Malwarebytes and that one has
always worked fine (I imagine because it's not actively scanning all the
time?). I was thinking of adding SpywareBlaster or Spybot Search &
Destroy (though I heard maybe I shouldn't turn on the TeaTimer
feature?). I just don't want to get all of these and then have them all
blow up or not work properly because they don't play well together.

Also,
I have two Windows XP computers and one Windows Vista computer on my
network that I want to get these programs for. Do these programs have
the same effectiveness for either OS or would some be recommended for
one over the other?

Thanks for your time!Besides the McAfee package, I would recommend Spywareblaster as well (a
passive protection that consumes no computer resources at all) and
Malwarebytes for on-demand scanning (1/month or so).

I´m not a huge fan of spybot (although the immunization option is pretty good) and AdAware, but others might disagree with that.

Whether
you use Vista/XP is not too relevant. Unless your Vista is 64 bit in
which case it might be better grab anti-malware that is (partially)
written in 64-bits for optimum compatibility/performance.

Sorry for the late reply btw <blockquote>Agustina wrote:I
apologize if this is the wrong section for this sort of question but I
have a question about some programs I've seen recommended to other users
on the website...
</blockquote>

You're in the right area.

<blockquote>I've
heard that you shouldn't have more than one type of security program
running at the same time (for example, just one anti-virus, one
firewall, one anti-malware, etc.). I have the McAfee Total Protection
program that includes an anti-virus, a firewall, and a spyware/malware
protection thing. Would that conflict with the programs you've
recommended (such as SpywareBlaster, Spybot Search & Destroy,
AdAware SE, etc.)? Which ones would get along with these McAfee
products?
</blockquote>


That is correct. McAfee has been
known to conflict with some programs, but having no other active
protection is just fine. SpywareBlaster offers no active protection as
it just adds blocked 3rd party cookies/activeX features from sites to
Internet Explorer/Firefox(only supports cookies with firerfox). Spybot's
Tea Timer doesn't play with some others and is best leaving it off.
However, Spybot and Ad-Aware aren't very good anymore. They've failed to
keep up and aren't recomended.


<blockquote>I already
have Malwarebytes and that one has always worked fine (I imagine because
it's not actively scanning all the time?). I was thinking of adding
SpywareBlaster or Spybot Search & Destroy (though I heard maybe I
shouldn't turn on the TeaTimer feature?). I just don't want to get all
of these and then have them all blow up or not work properly because
they don't play well together.
</blockquote>

That is
correct. Malwarebytes' does not have real-time protection in the free
edition. Personally I would only add SpywareBlaster and Superantispyware
free edition. Both should suppliment McAfee well. If you wish you can
dump McAfee for Avira free, Microsoft Security Essentials or Avast free.
They do much better.

<blockquote>
Also, I have two
Windows XP computers and one Windows Vista computer on my network that I
want to get these programs for. Do these programs have the same
effectiveness for either OS or would some be recommended for one over
the other?
</blockquote>

Spybot and Superantispyware are
better on xp. Many repair features for Superantispyware(most are in the
paid version only) and scanning on shut down only work on xp. Spybot can
create a restore point for removal, but only on xp plus some internet
options features.

You're very welcome.