Is Norton Anti Virus software necessary?

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jaheff

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#6182 3-Jan-2006 11:18

I am not sure whether to renew my subscription to Norton's. I paid $100 last year for the cd and it will cost me 40 or 50 to renew. Is the anti-virus protection that comes with window and cable enough? Any ideas?

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BDFL - Memuneh
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#25645 3-Jan-2006 12:02

Yes, it's necessary to have an anti-virus. If you feel Norton is too expensive, or too much load on your PC, try Avast (free for personal use), or F-Secure. But don't run your machine without an antivirus.

There are also some free antivirus around, including on-line scanners. Microsoft will introduce a subscription service sometime in 2006 that will keep your computer up-to-date, while performing anti-virus and anti-spyware cleaning.

Also, always run with an anti-spyware. There a few free ones (Microsoft and Adware) and paid ones (Adware and PC Tools Spyware Doctor).

Also, very important, check this page now!

STI

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#25646 3-Jan-2006 12:04

No, you need a separate anti-virus. You can try free alternatives such as AVG or Avast. Both of these provide regular free updates. Only disadvantage with free alternatives is that user interface is not always intuitive.

GetRidOfYourCOMPAQ

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#26508 15-Jan-2006 18:49

In the 4 odd years I've been a personal computer user I can honestly say with no hesitation that you DO need an antivirus software but DO NOT use Norton.

Norton has caused me nothing but grief, and it's not just me.

My brother's computer has Norton and with no explanation or reason blocked incoming packets from other computers (In other words he couldn't use Wireless or Internet in a whole because Norton blocked incoming connections)

The software takes TOO much space up on my computer (which already has too many problems) and it's impossible to fully uninstall, especially if you partially uninstalled anything else that comes with it. If one thing is missing the whole program goes haywire making it impossible to use ANY other program without something being wrong.

I would not recommend Norton to an enemy, that's how frustrated I am with it.

Hope this helped.
Scott

jaheff

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#26649 18-Jan-2006 03:00

Thanks for the reply--I appreciate it. I have installed Avast on my computers now and am quite happy with it. I really don't understand why some anti virus software is free and other aren't. I have pretty much researched that they are all the same--like comparing pepsi to coke. Any other opinions out there?

sbiddle

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#26652 18-Jan-2006 06:48

Virtually all of the "free" AV software is a cut down version of the companies mainstream version that is missing some features. The goal is to obviously convince you to pay extra for a full version of the software.

Considering how inportant AV software is a yearly update is a good investment, people don't expect internet access for free so fork out some $$ and buy decent AV software.

jaheff

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#26657 18-Jan-2006 07:59

The problem is I forked out $100 last year for Norton's and had nothing but trouble with it, so now I am leery of AV software. I had password problems galore, and to this day cannot easily renew without calling and trying to reactivate my key code that they wouldn't take in the first place. If I pay for something, I want it to work.

freitasm

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#26663 18-Jan-2006 08:32

Avast is quite a good software - their main focus market is the server (we use their Avast Server in two Windows Server 2003 machines) and the personal version is free for use, with not many functionality locked out - mainly user interface only, but cleaning and scanning (email, scripts, files, etc) is all there in the free version.

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tonyhughes

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#26666 18-Jan-2006 08:36

I use Avast and am very happy with it. Ditched AVG (Avast was just easier to use, and does not annoy the user - eg auto updates are exactly that, automatic and in the background).

Pepsi & Coke have completely different tastes, so you are comparing apples and oranges there...

suvneet

47 posts

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#26733 19-Jan-2006 09:52

jaheff: Thanks for the reply--I appreciate it. I have installed Avast on my computers now and am quite happy with it. I really don't understand why some anti virus software is free and other aren't. I have pretty much researched that they are all the same--like comparing pepsi to coke. Any other opinions out there?

I am going to install Avast and get rid of Norton Antivirus which came with my PC (bought couple of yrs ago).
Any ideas/hints on what not to do while un-installing Norton?
Whats the easiest way of doing so? I havent installed any subsidaries (only Anti Virus) and used to get regular updates.

Also can you get Avast to
1) Scan PC at a set time every week?
2) Get full updates in background? Automatically?

freitasm

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#26734 19-Jan-2006 09:54

Make sure you reboot after removing NAV. And yes, you can have Avast set for automatic scan and updates. It can even email you if anything is found, or email when an update is applied - I have it set to send an email to my SMS address so that if anything happens I am notified.

tonyhughes

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#26744 19-Jan-2006 14:49

2) Get full updates in background? Automatically?

Yes, if you hide the system tray icons, you will only ever hear from avast when:

it has a problem and needs your help
or
when it updates, and has an MSN style 5 second popup (and cool speech "virus database has been updated" - very geeky)

Spoons

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#28078 9-Feb-2006 15:40

have u guys used NOD 32 in my opnion its the best AV scanner ive ever used..and it never hogs out a lot of memory..and one of the fastest scanners ive ever used im not sure about the prices though.

Aloha

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#28119 9-Feb-2006 22:56

I am using the XTRA antivirus service from McAfee, called McAffe Security Center.
It contains a Firewall and an Antivirus program, for 7.9NZD per month.
I am quite happy with it, no hassle.

I had Norton before, but I unistalled it, because I had a virus attack and Norton didnt defend my computer, however I had the yearly subscription as well. ($$#@#$%#$!)

I is a kollege stoodent. Bee nice.

freitasm

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#28120 9-Feb-2006 23:00

I tried the Microsoft Windows OneCare Live beta in one PC and it works well - includes AV, Antispyware and firewall.

It's free until June, and after that it will cost US$49.95 for up to three computers. A good price if you ask me (that's US$15/PC during a year).

johnr

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#28180 10-Feb-2006 17:00

Avast is awesome I have been using this for about 1 year and it has not faulted once.

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