Microsoft Security Essentials & XP EOL

I might like to receive updates to Microsoft Security Essentials on my XP PCs until July 2015, but I have some questions. I have not yet installed MSE.

I understand that it is an Anti-malware program which has a similar function to Avast, McAfee, AVG and others. Do I have to download it before April 8 2014 continue to receive updates from microsoft for MSE ? (1) Do I have to install it before 8 April 2014 continue to receive updates from microsoft for MSE ? (2) Will I have to uninstall my current anti-malware program (AVG) in order to run MSE ? (3) Could I disable it instead ? (4) Could I continue with AVG, but download MSE and continue to receive updates from microsoft for MSE ? (5) Could I install MSE having disabled AVG, disable MSE, re-enable AVG, and continue to receive updates from microsoft for MSE ? (6)

Finally, if I have another anti-malware program such as AVG is there point in downloading and installing MSE ? (7) [will the other anti-malware programs continue to function and receive definition updates on XP beyond July 2015 ? (8) ]

Dumb_Question
17.March.2014
Compaq Presario S5160UK DT261A under XP/SP3
Processor - Celeron 2.7 GHz
Motherboard - MSI MS-6577 v2.1
RAM - 1GB + 512MB (1GB +1GB max) DDR PC2700
PSU - Octigen 300W model 10270PSOTG ('upgraded' from original Bestec 250W PSU [in 2011?])
Nvidia GeForce 6200 graphics card in AGP slot.

 

Hey old buddy, I would just stay with AVG especially since MSE is not updating after next year. Sure you can turn off the realtime on MSE but in my opinion, it's not worth the trouble. Stick with AVG and whatever other security you have, ( Malwarebytes, Superantispyware, Spyware blaster, Winpatrol) or whatever you use, but just leave your antivirus as is since it is working and not causing any problems. Remember, "If it's not broke, don't fix it."

 

Thanks for the reassuring advice, Nick.
That's also the simplest course of action

I have found that AVG fails to pick up some things - doubtless the others fail to pick up different things - and so I frequently run msert.exe to complement AVG
I am hesitant to use the antimalware software recommended in the MajorGeeks malware forum because if I do need MGs' advice on virus removal I may have complicated things by using it gratuitously.

Dumb_Question
20.March.2014