I'm aware this forum and sight is deicated to audio questions. But I wanted to get the opinions of some of the folks here on utility programs and thought I would ask anyway.

I was recently given a new copy of Norton System Works which includes the anti virus and spyware functions on top of the hard drive optimization functions it offers. Are these programs needed, and do they tend to hog alot of resources such as memory to run ? A couple of folks I work with do not recommend them or feel there needed. Except for maybe some anti virus software. This system also offers a Go Back function which will restore the system to previous dates in case of problems.

Windows XP offers a disk defragmenter as well as the ability to restore your system to previous dates in case of problems. I use the defragmenter every month or two.

Is all this stuff that the software offers really necessary ? Does it really help ?

My gut tells me all I need is basic anti virus software and spyware software. I have used the free spyware software such as Spybot and Adaware but find they do a poor job.

If the Norton system is not advised can someone recommend some good anti virus and spyware software that I can go out and buy that works really well.

Im using a Pentium 4 with 512mb of ram in case anyone is wondering.

Thanks