excessive resource utilization

A colleague sent an article to me about this yesterday, but I haven’t found it. Maybe some of you are familiar with this issue: I am using Windows XP, Symantec AntiVirus & Symantec Client Firewall. In short, the article described a couple similar configurations in which updating services from Microsoft & Symantec were ‘fighting’ for resources, both processes remain running, and the CPU is utilized above 90% for extended periods. This is exactly what I’m experiencing, and it began occurring recently. By the way, the 7 most recent Critical Updates from Microsoft also won’t install.

Thanks in advance,