should i stay with norton Forums

astra

hi all, i know theres lots of computer whizz kids on this site so your advise would be gratefully received, i have norton anti virus/spyware/spam etc on my computer, which is due to run out, should i renew or should i download free stuff like firefox,whats your opinion? ive never had any problems with norton but its quite pricey.cheers astra.

graham.

Red_Osprey

Hi Graham,

A difficult question to answer as everyone will have their own opinion.
Personally, I wouldn't touch Norton as I've had loads of problems in the past - but you have had none.
I happen to like McAfee and have used that in various forms for a number of years. I like to use the same software suite for antivirus, firewall etc. but there is no rule that says you have to.

You could try a free antivirus software like AVG ( do a Google search for it).
A lot of people swear by it and as it's free giving it a try won't hurt your pocket Exclamation

There's no add-ons like a firewall though.

Whichever you choose, if you move away from Norton I suggest that you completely delete it from your system before installing something else. That's good advice for any virus checker but particularly Norton which has a reputation for not mixing well with others.

I hope that helps.

Tony

dreamcatcher · Last edited by dreamcatcher on Wed Feb 14, 2007 2:10 am; edited 1 time in total

Hi Graham,
I had Norton internet security for a time last year, but found that it was restricting my computer usage.
I found that most of my emails were being witheld as spam, and found it difficult to access the internet because of the "Privacy programme".
I then tried McAffee, only to find it just as bad. AVG Free edition suits perfectly, keeping my computer free of viruses, without being too restricting.
ZoneAlarm is a perfectly adequate firewall, and AdAware SE is g good free antispyware programme.
It seemed to me that the more I paid, the more hassle I got.

Bob

geraldandannie · Moderator

Hi, Graham

This question pops up every few weeks, it seems. There are a lot of pro-AVG advocates on here, and a lot of anti-Norton people too.

For what it's worth, I have had Norton on my home computer for about 6 years. Despite the free systems around, I keep renewing Norton. I like the way it performs, I like its features, and it's always worked well for me. I can also install Sophos at home - we have it installed on several thousand computers in primary schools in the London borough where I work.

If you're happy with it, why change? £25 or so to renew is not too expensive.

I'll back off now, as I notice a horde of anti-Nortoneers approaching from the distance.

Gerald

Edit: P.S. Firefox is a browser, like Internet Explorer or Safari or Opera.

Motorhomersimpson · Moderator

Never fear Gerald, I'm on your side Smile

Hi Graham,

a lot is said in the past about Norton being restrictive etc, I was talking with my 75yr old father-in-law the other and explaining about this, yes it can slow the computer down a touch but it thoroughly checks everything, horses for courses.

As others have said, it's a personal choice, some swear by the free stuff, others use different makers, at the end of the day as long as you have a virus program, that is all that matters.

I have used Norton for 10 years now and apart from some minor program faults which were easy to solve, it has kept my computers clean and worked in the background without interfering.

MHS...Rob Very Happy

Snelly · Eastern Rally Co-ordinator

Norton is the most popular antivirus, but that has its drawbacks... people go out of their way to come up with viruses specially designed to disable or bypass norton. Hence after being an avid norton supporter for years, I changed as I was fed up of becoming infected.

Im now using AVG Free 7.5, available from

sallytrafic · Southern Rally Co-ordinator

But surely when you all have Vista you won't need Norton or anything .................. #Fade in

I'll get my hat and my mac and go

Regards Frank

geraldandannie · Moderator

Diabalo

Norton is the one for me, been using it for years. I have had a few prob's with it interfering with the occasional program but nothing that could not be sorted. I have never been infected Norton has always detected and quarantined.
To renew now is very expensive, mine has just run out and the renew cost was not much cheaper than buying the complete package again which was system works in my case.

If you are going to remove Nortons anti virus there is a very good removal tool on their website.
I had to use it when trying to put the newer version on and the old had not been completely removed.