The term "security programs" makes the results somewhat deceptive. A security suite is one program but could have half a dozen real time applications plus services. It would be interesting to also include the number of running processes and services in the answer. The numbers could be quite surprising. On my PCs, I run 3 real time programs, SSM, Kerio 2.1.5, Proxomitron, which are responsible for 3 total processes.
LoL guest, there are many people that don't use realtime and still responsible enough or experienced enough not to need it. I've never used an antimalware on my machines out of a testing platform.
Yeah, all this talk is very nice until one of your favorite trusted sites gets hacked and start to exploit some 0-day vulnerability in your browser or Flash plugin to distribute malware!
When you're actively doing stuff with your computer (surfing the net, or writing a letter, or playing games, or whatever) then run Process Explorer or Windows Task Manager. All the processes listed there are "real-time" processes". + Those processes that show activity in the CPU column or I/O column are real-time AND busy. + Those processes that are listed there, but which show no activity, are real-time, but they are *waiting* for you to push a certain button, or start a certain activity, or for some other process to ask them for help.
for me it's either 0 or 1. depends if you think of Shadow Defender as a security program. for me it's more than just a security program. oh, and i use Windows Firewall Control, but not for security reasons.
I think mine was just 2 real time protectors. NOD32 antivirus (after expiration I'll switch to Avast) and GeSWall "isolators". With Safe XP and Harden IT and logging only in limited acct when surfing. And of course using Firefox browsers with several privacy addons. Just in case, someone or I intend to plug-in a usb flash drive...then the USB Disk Security was also on guard.
