1. What is the difference between Kaspersky Antivirus and the free AOL Antivirus Shield? I know that both use the Kaspersky scanning engine but what is the difference between the two? Does the free AOL version provide the same protection just with less options?

2. Those who have Kaspersky, do you leave Proactive Defense on? It started giving me warnings that svchost.exe and other typical processes were dangerous because they linked to other processes. It was quite annoying. Is Proactive Defense truly useful, or is it more of a hindrance?

From what i've read AOL is indeed a watered down version of KAV.To answer your question on Proactive Defense I have mine running and I'm using KIS6.I haven't messed with any settings in my suite only set my web antivirus to high.

Active Virus Shield is Kaspersky based and IMO a more effective anti-virus than many others. Read "And The Best Antivirus Is…."
1. Kaspersky version 6.0.0.303 - 99.62%
2. Active Virus Shield by AOL version 6.0.0.299 - 99.62%

These types of comparative results will vary depending on who is doing the comparison testing, what they are testing for, what versions of anti-virus software is beging tested, etc.

You don't want to install the AOL security toolbar because it has adware functionality and has a tendency to freeze the browser. See the reviews here and here.

For more info, see Kaspersky Knowledge base and FAQ: What is Active Virus Shield and Active Virus Shield FAQs.

Righto thanks for the info