Yes, you can have too many virus removal software programs. Although it is safer to have too much anti-spyware or virus removal software than none at all, too many can slow your computer down considerably. It is like trying to get out a door that has a dozen locks on it. You definitely need at least one anti-spyware program, one virus removal software program and a firewall. Having all three of these programs should cover all of the cracks an online criminal can get in through.

But if it takes you more than ten minutes to get your computer ready to do anything, chances are you have too much anti-spyware, too much virus removal software programs or too many firewalls all trying to do the same jobs at the same time. Sometimes your ISP will give you a various computer security features that you already have. They’ll need to be turned off.

Your Computer Needs Extra Protection

Although identity theft is a growing problem, you still need to be able to work on your computer, and having too many virus removal programs will hinder you from getting any work or play done. You cannot rely on just the security program your computer came with. It just can’t keep up with all of the new spyware and viruses that come out.

For example, Microsoft only started making anti-spyware in 2007. What if your computer is older than that? It’s definitely at risk for viruses and spyware. When Scanit (an IT security firm) did a browser security test in 2005, it found users of Internet Explorer (which comes with your Microsoft platform) were exposed to undetected spyware up to 98% of the time you are on IE. And Microsoft’s new One Care 2007 security program does not come with any kind of email filter, letting spammers right through to your inbox.

Before You Load Even More Security Programs

Before you download any new anti-spyware, anti-virus or firewall program, be sure you have deleted the old programs. Otherwise, you will have too much spyware and it will slow your computer down. Your computer should have a security center, where you can monitor just what security programs you have. If you see you have more than one firewall, get rid of one of the firewall programs. Too many firewalls can interfere with your anti-spyware.

When you have one virus removal software program, at least one anti-spyware program and one firewall, you are set to go on the net.