I have been using Spyware Doctor for years but my computer is getting sluggish which means it’s being a resource hog or not doing it’s job properly. I also run regular scans with Malwarebytes but it is the free version and does not have the real-time protection. Now before anyone starts, I know that virus/malware protection is always a balance between power and performance. The more powerful the program is in terms of protection, the more impact it has on my computer’s performance. Still I think there is a happy balance, one that Norton as of a few years ago had issues with and lets not even start discussing AVG.
Bitdefender seems to be the best one out right now but how is it in terms of computer performance while it runs? I don’t want a paperweight for 5 minutes (like with Spyware Doctor) everytime Windows loads. Comparisons or links to reviews would help.
I use windows security solutions with no problems, very lightweight.
Also, my personal opinion is it is worth reinstalling windows (assuming you are using windows) every now and then.
One of the biggest reasons for things getting sluggish increased use of virtual memory which happens as you load more software on a computer and demand for real memory (DRAM) increases.
Another problem can be the registry that windows uses to keep track of everything. Try getting CClean from Piriform. It’s been out there forever, it’s free and well regarded. It’s not the most thorough but it’s one of the safest.
Of course Saturday I got his with the Green Dot FBI Moneyware. Don’t worry Straight Dope, it wasn’t from you (even thought the three before that was from SD). Spyware Doctor basically went “Incoming Incoming!!! Oh shit it gonna hit us!!! You’re fucked.” One safemode boot and Mawarebytes scan later it was cleaned up.