In the comments on another post, longtime reader Ken asks a great question:
…I would love to get your thoughts on so-called “performance software” generally, such as utility suites (e.g. Systemworks, SystemSuite, System Mechanic, and the like), defraggers (such as Diskeeper and PerfectDisk), memory managers (e.g. Memokit, Cacheman), etc. — especially on Windows XP SP2. Ditto for “Internet Security” suites” and third party firewalls. My opinion on all of this is that with the possible exception of defraggers and a good stand-alone anti-virus program, less is more and native Windows XP (especially after SP2) is more than good enough for most users (even better for experienced users who know what not to download from the Internet). Do you agree?
Great question. I’m a minimalist when it comes to utilities. (If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.) So here’s a quick summary of each category in Ken’s list:
- Utility suites. I don’t typically use them. I used to be a big fan of Norton Utilities, but I can’t think of the last time I needed to perform some maintenance task that couldn’t be done with a single-purpose tool. I especially distrust those that run at startup.
- Defraggers. I use and recommend Diskeeper and have heard good things about Perfect Disk. I don’t obsess about fragmentation, though.
- Memory managers. Snake oil, especially on Windows XP.
- Internet security suites and third-party firewalls. I use Trend Micro’s PC-cillin Internet Security 2005 and have installed it on several clients’ systems with excellent results. In my opinion a knowledgeable user can get by with just antivirus software and the Windows Firewall added by Windows XP SP2. For unsophisticated users, a firewall or anti-spyware monitor that is too aggressive can cause as many problems as it solves.
When you add it all up, I think your summary closely matches my preferences. Less is more, indeed!
If you want to see a list of all the software I currently have installed on my everyday computer, see this page.
Ed Bott 
Thanks!
What about cookies, malware and the undiscovered virus? Do you use Ad-aware, PestPatrol or SpyBot S&D? How about a good pre-emptive instrusion detector like PrevX Home (free)? I use all of these with no problems at all.
Here are my opinions on your question. First, I don’t worry about cookies. Ed has a great blog entry here about the myths surrounding cookies. I ususally set IE to “medium-high” security and then forget about handling cookies.
I have used anti-spyware programs in the past, including the three you mentioned (all of which are adequate, IMO), but not since installing SP2. In my opinion, prevention is better than cure, i.e. learn how spyware gets on your machine in the first place, and then don’t do these things. The security enhancements in SP2 are a great help as well. Incidentally, I have never had to remove spyware from my system, either when I was using spyware programs and when I was not using them. I have removed spyware from my brother’s computer, for which these programs are essential — but only as a cure when you already have the disease (again IMO).
I use a standalone virus program (EZ Antivirus at present) and the Windows firewall that comes with SP2. Ed recommends Trend Micro, which is also excellent. In fact, if they offered it as a standalone virus program instead of as part of an Internet Security Suite, I would use it instead. I feel like I know enough about computers and security to get by without using a virus program at all, but I have had viruses before and I don’t want to take any chances. I like EZ because of all the ones I’ve used — and I have tried them all at least once — EZ seems to have the least impact on performance (it is, by far, the smallest — it certainly isn’t fancy like Norton or MacAfee, but it does stop viruses and does so with virtually no attention from me).
The thing is that all of these programs have tradeoffs in performance in exchange for added security. If you go to places where you are likely to open spyware or viruses, or if you like to open e-mail attachments from strangers, or if you have teenagers :), then you need more protection than if you are an experienced user who understands how to avoid cathing these things in the first place. As Ed says, if it ain’t broke don’t fix it. 🙂