Does antivirus software slow down PCs?

bob3160 · 2015-04-29T21:52:18.000Z

As a note, when running an active scan that you initiate (quick scan, complete scan, custom scan etc) it's recommended that you do not use your PC during the scan, both for performance, and security reasons.

Sorry but the only reason not to use your system while a scheduled scan is running has to do with performance. It doesn't have anything to do with security.

system · 2015-04-29T23:29:13.000Z

Hm? Those that do not have a performance hit, congrats. Those that do, you MAY be getting a performance hit via Avast.

I, for one, being a former Dell phone tech dealing with both hardware and software issues, having worked on computers before and since, I have a MAJOR performance hit brought on my Avast.

I’m 53 years old, was in the computer industry from 1992 to 2001. As stated, I have been working on computer issues, both HW and SW, since working in the industry.

I had NO performance hit before I installed Avast a couple days ago. I installed Avast and no other new programs, now I have a MAJOR performance hit across the board, ESPECIALLY on Google Chrome, which halts in its normal duties as a web browser (meaning the icon on the tab stops spinning and Chrome gets program unresponsive error for a couple seconds, then continues to run through the same slowdown problems listed, on the same page download (NOT a refresh, the SAME attempt at loading the page). This can occur several times locking up Chrome).

ANY application that tags the internet (Steam and games working through Steam or not, ESPECIALLY MMO games; programs that look for any updates needed; etcetera). Fortunately, the performance hit is not as bad as what Chrome experiences, though some FPS issues occur during gamings, as well as an occasional drop out of game due to server disconnect problems. The FPS and server disconnect problems stop when I shut down Avast. By the way, when having these issues (FPS and server) I check with the manufacturer of the game (I play several different MMO and non-MMO games) to see if they are having issues at there end. 99% of the time they are not.

I have shut down all foreground apps save Chrome when accessing the internet via Chrome. I have shut down all apps save Steam when gaming through Steam, and the performance hit occurs BEFORE I have launched my first game. I have launched other programs, shutting down all foreground apps, and still notice the performance hit. All issues listed in this paragraph, I also had shut down applications that run in the background that have NOTHING to do with the apps listed here, but still, the performance hit is present. I shut down background apps on a second attempt at running the apps listed in this paragraph. Meaning I had done one running though without other foreground apps loaded, THEN a run through with BOTH foreground and background apps shut down.

I have rebooted my system multiple times, with multiple run throughs listed above, with no change in performance.

Shutting down Web Shield does NOTHING. Exiting the Avast application (read turning Avast OFF), the issues listed above, and others I have not listed, STOP! I restart Avast all issues listed above begin again.

To reinforce the slow downs hit: It IS massive and extremely irritating!

I would understand IF the problem occurs on an obscure website, one that Avast has no knowledge of, but sites like Facebook, Google and Google+? Sites that I have gone to that Avast may have no knowledge of several times, Avast does not recognize them. The toolbar apps that Avast installs lists the sites I go to as Safe, and it matters not that I say I have had a positive experience on that site, still the performance hit is present and no change in its severity.

Due to a medical problem I suffer from, I use a Text-To-Speech (TTS) app to aid in reading, with just the app and Chrome running, the speech is garbled at times, something that did not occur before installing Avast. This is annoying.

Now, on to my system hardware and version of Avast:

I am running the latest version of Internet Security 2015.

AMD FX™-6300 Six-Core Processor
16.0 GB RAM
64-bit Operating System, x64-based processor
Windows 8.1 with latest downloads of important and needed updates

So, the hardware and software seem to be working properly, but the inclusion of Avast hits my system with a massive performance degradation.

Do you mind telling me what I have missed?

system · 2015-04-29T23:42:47.000Z

Ah, I see you are saying when Avast is scanning in whatever manner is has available.

The issues listed in my previous post are NOT occurring when Avast is scanning save its looking at the internet when accessing. This is what brings my system to a crawl. I do verify from time to time, especially when running into the problems when running Chrome, that Avast is NOT running any form of disk scan at the time.

Just a little FYI.

system · 2015-04-29T23:47:38.000Z

bob3160 post:11:

As a note, when running an active scan that you initiate (quick scan, complete scan, custom scan etc) it's recommended that you do not use your PC during the scan, both for performance, and security reasons.
Sorry but the only reason not to use your system while a scheduled scan is running has to do with performance. It doesn't have anything to do with security.

Please re-read my post. I said when running a scan that YOU initiate. Scheduled scans are not initiated by the user, but even still. you don’t think that it’s possible that using the computer during a scan has the potential to compromise it further? If you’re having to run a scan, then most likely, it’s because Avast’s real time protection missed the threat that you’re looking for, or you believe that this is the case.

You can technically run a disk defragmenter, and use that disk at the same time too, but that doesn’t guarantee that there won’t be damage to files that you’re using, if the defrag app is trying to defrag the same files.

Nothing is guaranteed, and that is the way of things. I speak from experience.

system · 2015-04-30T00:01:56.000Z

Rik Packham post:13:

Ah, I see you are saying when Avast is scanning in whatever manner is has available.

The issues listed in my previous post are NOT occurring when Avast is scanning save its looking at the internet when accessing. This is what brings my system to a crawl. I do verify from time to time, especially when running into the problems when running Chrome, that Avast is NOT running any form of disk scan at the time.

Just a little FYI.

Have you tried running a full system scan to ensure that your system isn’t actually already infected? You can also use other malware scanners to check for the presence of malware that Avast! will miss. In certain situations, malware can interfere with normal computer operations, but not be caught by your antivirus program. In this situation, you can run other scanners (Like malwarebytes Anti-Malware) in order to search for, and remove the infections that Avast! missed.

If your system is not infected by malware, and you’re still having this issue, the next step is to write down the activation key you paid for, then completely uninstall Avast! Internet Security, redownload it fresh (after clearing your browser’s cache, and windows temp files), and try reinstalling it again. If this fails, I would personally request a refund, and switch products, as it may be some kind of incompatibility with your hardware, or software.

bob3160 · 2015-04-30T00:12:25.000Z

@ Rick,
A computer with those credential should fly. If it doesn’t than maybe you need to find out why.
As you can see from my post, my system isn’t as powerful and I run more scanning software besides Avast and still have no problems.
I happen to use a Dell Inspiron 17 5000 Series with out any problems.

system · 2015-04-30T01:02:38.000Z

In reference to malware, I have a purchased malware, Iobit’s Malware Fighter v3.1 (purchased) that runs continuously. The malware runs a scan overnight, I’ll check to see if it is a full scan or not.

I have a disk defrag that I run once every week or two due to uninstalling/installing games, which I do fairly often (suffer from ADHD ). I have a two-gig HDD, half is free.

When needed I run a full scan via Iobit’s Advanced SystemCare 8 (purchased). I have yet to run it, though the app says everything is running fine. I think I’ll run it just to say I did.

Avast lists the system as protected. I believe that I have run a full scan, but will do so again to verify.

I know this system should fly, and I’m here to find out why it is not. :-\

Yeah, haven’t done a reinstall. It is on my list, though.

bob3160 · 2015-04-30T01:11:28.000Z

Rik Packham post:17:

In reference to malware, I have a purchased malware, Iobit’s Malware Fighter v3.1 (purchased) that runs continuously. The malware runs a scan overnight, I’ll check to see if it is a full scan or not.

I have a disk defrag that I run once every week or two due to uninstalling/installing games, which I do fairly often (suffer from ADHD ). I have a two-gig HDD, half is free.

When needed I run a full scan via Iobit’s Advanced SystemCare 8 (purchased). I have yet to run it, though the app says everything is running fine. I think I’ll run it just to say I did.

Avast lists the system as protected. I believe that I have run a full scan, but will do so again to verify.

I know this system should fly, and I’m here to find out why it is not. :-\

Yeah, haven’t done a reinstall. It is on my list, though.

Sorry but Iobit is something most of us here on this forum and many others avoid. If you’re curious why, read the following:
http://shanegowland.com/tech/2012/iobit-is-a-sucky-company/

system · 2015-04-30T01:42:42.000Z

Any recommendation on a software package that does similar functions?

system · 2015-04-30T01:46:32.000Z

I was actually going to mention the same thing about iObit, but you beat me to it lol

Some others I would suggest are Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, SUPERAntispyware, and spybot Search & Destroy. You can also use things like CCleaner to help optimize, and clean your system, much in the same way that Advanced System Care does (Minus the speed hacks)

Defragging as often as you say you do has the potential to wear out the hard drive sooner rather than later. I usually recommend running defrag about once a month as an average.

Advanced System Care, and Malware Fighter, etc from iObit has a high potential to be the cause of your problem. I’ve had many problems with their software to the point that they are unreliable, and suspicious, especially where their system optimizations, and registry cleaning are concerned. My recommendation to you is to remove their software, and get yourself some that is more reputable, and reliable. iObit’s software has destroyed my windows install more than once, both free, and paid versions.

system · 2015-04-30T01:51:04.000Z

Here is my software setup…

OS - Windows 8.1 Pro (64-bits)
Antivirus - Avast! Free (Up to date, and run as needed)
Firewall - AVS Private Firewall
Malware Scanners - SUPERAntispyware, Malwarebytes Anti-Malware (Both up to date, and run as needed)
System/Registry Cleaning - CCleaner (Up to date, and run about once a month)
Defrag App - UltraDefrag (Up to date, and run once a month)

Hope this helps.

system · 2015-04-30T01:52:44.000Z

Thanx for the tip. Did not want to except on article on IObits ethical practices. Went googling to find a LOT more. Looking into replacing this software.

system · 2015-04-30T02:05:41.000Z

I uninstalled all iobit SW and it seems to be the case. System is not slowed down to a noticeable level. Hm? I thought I had done tests with iobit SW shutdown. Must have had some app running in background I did not identify as being iobit.

Thanx.

system · 2015-04-30T03:24:09.000Z

They are known for installing other software (Apps, and services) during setup, without your permission, so you might have had that as the problem.

My suggestion is to grab the software i suggested, and do a full system scan with each malware scanner to ensure that your system is clean, then do another full scan with Avast! in order to remove whatever it might find.

Glad you’ve got it sorted

bob3160 · 2015-04-30T14:24:45.000Z

@ jasoncollege24,
System defarags are actually a waste of time since Windows 8.1 takes care of that all by itself.

@ Rik Packham,
One button fix all programs rarely if ever work.Kepp your system and those programs that protect you
as up to date a possible. Keep the garbage at bay by using a program like Ccleaner and you should have a fairly good running system.
I would add WinPatrol to the mix of programs.
If you decide on the Pro version, this can save you some money: https://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=19387.msg1195303#msg1195303

system · 2015-04-30T16:36:24.000Z

@bob3160 tell that to the hard drives that I keep having to defrag, because windows 8.1 doesn’t!

Windows 8.1’s maintenance is not perfect, and does need a bit of help. Perhaps it’s how I use my system, but your statement is surely incorrect in my circumstance. Every month, ultradefrag shows me that at least 2 (usually more than that) out of the many drives I have are not being defragmented by windows 8.1 automatic defrag.

It is a well known fact that what works for one, may not work for another. Defragging is not always a waste of time in these later operating systems. I do agree with your other statement though.

bob3160 · 2015-04-30T19:01:35.000Z

jasoncollege24 post:26:

@bob3160 tell that to the hard drives that I keep having to defrag, because windows 8.1 doesn’t!

Windows 8.1’s maintenance is not perfect, and does need a bit of help. Perhaps it’s how I use my system, but your statement is surely incorrect in my circumstance. Every month, ultradefrag shows me that at least 2 (usually more than that) out of the many drives I have are not being defragmented by windows 8.1 automatic defrag.

It is a well known fact that what works for one, may not work for another. Defragging is not always a waste of time in these later operating systems. I do agree with your other statement though.

Simple answer, you continue to spend the time to defrag your drives on your systems, and I’ll be happy not to do it on my Windows systems.

Para-Noid · 2015-04-30T20:18:50.000Z

If I may chime in, SpyBot S&D isn’t worth the time or the trouble especially if you use the “tea timer” in SpyBot.
Read this about SpyBot S&D http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2412372,00.asp

system · 2015-04-30T20:29:27.000Z

i don’t ever bother with the team timer, but the app is not entirely a waste. Please keep in mind that various apps are needed in order to catch what others miss. I’ve known spybot S&D to catch some things the others miss, which makes it worth the time, and effort.

Para-Noid · 2015-05-01T17:07:43.000Z

Most, if not all, of us use MalwareBytes since it is better than SpyBot. Case in point our malware removal specialists don’t even bother with SpyBot.

Announcements