Internet Security

[raydeon]

I have been using Norton Internet Security software for several years now. My current NIS 2008 version is expiring in a few days.

I have had mixed results with it, slowing of processor operation, and letting warious viruses get in my system.

I was looking at Norton 360 v .2.0. Does it provide better protection?
Are there better A/V programs on the market?

I am thinking about switching browser, Firefox rather than I.E.... Would that be a problem with Norton?

Recommendations are welcome.

Note: Before installing the "new" A/V software, I will reformat my "C"drive, perform a bcwipe3 cleanup, and do a Windows xp reinstall in order to clean any unwanted junk.

 

[club69]

AVG Free ed. and Avast are both good antivirus choices.

Firefox has less security risks than IE.

 

[WoodPeckr]

For Windows Switch to Avast

Dump Norton, it's bloated and a resource hog that slows down your PC.
Norton 360 is even more bloated.

Been using Avast since 2006 with no problems.
Avast is highly rated and it's free.

Dump IE. FF is better than IE and Opera browser is better than FF.

If you really want to surf the net worry free switch to Linux.
Linux needs no AV. Been using linux over 2 years now, with NO Anti-Virus programs and haven't had any viruses/spyware/malware issues.....and linux is free also.
I recommend trying Ubuntu....

 

[WoodPeckr]

This has served me well the last 2+ years

Security in Ubuntu

Security explained in simple words

 

[danibbler]

Well, if WP is allowed to push the Linux option, the OP may also consider OS X. A lot easier too.

But, frankly, if the OP does what others have suggested, ie. Dump IE, load on AVG and Avast and be a bit more cautious they should be fine. I know a complete computer n00b who's been surfing the Web for years and only had one virus attack. They didn't even dump IE...just had AVG and Avast.

 

[WoodPeckr]

The beauty of both Linux and Mac is the ability to hit all the 'suspect' sites with impunity not worrying about picking up any virus/spyware/malware.

Ran McAfee the first 3 yrs then Norton the next 6 yrs and got zapped with a couple viruses. Twice ended up having to format and start over (which really in 9 yrs ain't bad). That's when I discovered a 'C' Drive format once or twice a year does wonders for your Windows PC and makes it run like new again. Since running Avast haven't had any problems but am more careful where I go with Windows. When I want to surf 'suspect' sites, I just switch to linux on my dual boot systems and surf worry free. This way you have the best of both worlds.

Other benefits of linux:
It's free
All the apps and software you need are free also
It runs faster than Windows because it's not a memory hog, it runs lean
It's more stable than Windows
No AV scans
No spyware scans
No CCleaner
No Registry scans/cleaners/repair
No Defragging the HDD
No need to Format the HDD every year or so to clean out all the crap, because crap doesn't accumulate in Linux like it does in Windows.

 

[Disturbia]

First thing first, avoid Norton products once and for all.

If for whatever reason, you are unable to stay away from Windows, then go with those recommended FREE antivirus / malware programs.

If you don't want to get rid of your PC and switch to a beautiful and 100% safe Apple iMAC , then follow WoodPeckr's excellent post ... format your PC and install Ubuntu. You won't regret it. Trust me!

 

[raydeon]

The beauty of both Linux and Mac is the ability to hit all the 'suspect' sites with impunity not worrying about picking up any virus/spyware/malware.

Ran McAfee the first 3 yrs then Norton the next 6 yrs and got zapped with a couple viruses. Twice ended up having to format and start over (which really in 9 yrs ain't bad). That's when I discovered a 'C' Drive format once or twice a year does wonders for your Windows PC and makes it run like new again. Since running Avast haven't had any problems but am more careful where I go with Windows. When I want to surf 'suspect' sites, I just switch to linux on my dual boot systems and surf worry free. This way you have the best of both worlds.

Other benefits of linux:
It's free
All the apps and software you need are free also
It runs faster than Windows because it's not a memory hog, it runs lean
It's more stable than Windows
No AV scans
No spyware scans
No CCleaner
No Registry scans/cleaners/repair
No Defragging the HDD
No need to Format the HDD every year or so to clean out all the crap, because crap doesn't accumulate in Linux like it does in Windows.

Thanks for info Woodpeckr.
If I install Linux and Ubuntu as you recommend, will I be able to run the Microsoft Office programs? or use programs such as Adobe, or Nikon Coolslide scanner? What about all the USB devices like digital cams Polar HR...

 

[laytexlover]

I use a combo of Avast, Spybot & Zone alarm firewall...and they are all free.....

 

[WoodPeckr]

If I install Linux and Ubuntu as you recommend, will I be able to run the Microsoft Office programs? or use programs such as Adobe, or Nikon Coolslide scanner? What about all the USB devices like digital cams Polar HR...

Ubuntu has a WINE app that allows ~50% of MS apps to run on Ubuntu. I never used WINE and prefer to use Ubuntu apps to avoid any possible conflicts. IMHO Ubuntu apps/programs are not hard to master. Open Office.org comes with Ubuntu and does pretty much everything Microsoft Office programs do. For Adobe there is Gimp. Linux is best for web surfing and has some bugs when you run different hardware, cameras, etc, you won't discover this till you try it on your PC.

This is why it's best to install as a 'dual boot system' so you can learn Ubuntu at your leisure and have Windows for a fallback OS if you get stuck. I use a 20GB partition for Ubuntu and leave to rest of the HDD for Windows and storage.

For HELP there are the Ubuntu Forums which are overall just as friendly as this TERB Tech forum only they are far bigger and worldwide.

After using linux for a little over two years now I don't need MS at all. I can do everything with linux and the switch to Ubuntu didn't cost a single penny.

 

[needinit]

When I pdated my PC I got rid of all the pre-loaded crap (norton and trial packages bundled with the PC - Vista too) and went with Windows XP, AVG free and use Firefox.

No problems!!

 

[raydeon]

Dump Norton, it's bloated and a resource hog that slows down your PC.
Norton 360 is even more bloated.

Been using Avast since 2006 with no problems.
Avast is highly rated and it's free.

Dump IE. FF is better than IE and Opera browser is better than FF.

If you really want to surf the net worry free switch to Linux.
Linux needs no AV. Been using linux over 2 years now, with NO Anti-Virus programs and haven't had any viruses/spyware/malware issues.....and linux is free also.
I recommend trying Ubuntu....

For the time being I want to stay with Windows xp and use the Microsoft Office applications as I am often receiving documents in Words, Excel or Power Point.

I am going to switch browser and use Firefox as you recommended. Do I still keep I.E. running? or Can I get rid of it too?

With respect to Avast I see that there are different versions available (AV 4.8, AV 2009, AV Home edition 4.8.1296.....) Which one should I use?
Thanks,
Raydeon

 

[WoodPeckr]

You can't get rid of IE per se, MS won't let you, just don't use IE, use FF instead.

Download Avast off their Home site or www.Download.com. Either site will give you the latest version needed. Once you have Avast it lets you know when an upgrade to a newer version is needed.

 

[stang]

AVG works good for me.

 

[raydeon]

You can't get rid of IE per se, MS won't let you, just don't use IE, use FF instead.

Download Avast off their Home site or www.Download.com. Either site will give you the latest version needed. Once you have Avast it lets you know when an upgrade to a newer version is needed.

Total disaster!

I installed Avast. My system is completly screwed up. I cannot access internet and cannot retrieve new email on my Outlook Express. I had to uninstall Avast in order to access I/E and Terb.
I tried to look at Avast to see if I could disable the firewall, but could not find a way to do it.

What goes on?

 

[WoodPeckr]

Surprised that happened. I put Avast on both my PCs running XP Pro, since 2006 & Vista, for the last year, with no problems.

Did you remove your old AV first?
Running 2 AVs can cause conflicts.
Was your PC running OK prior or was there anything going on making it not run well?

 

[raydeon]

Surprised that happened. I put Avast on both my PCs running XP Pro, since 2006 & Vista, for the last year, with no problems.

Did you remove your old AV first?
Running 2 AVs can cause conflicts.
Was your PC running OK prior or was there anything going on making it not run well?

Yes, I removed (uninstalled) Norton IS first, and did a reboot before installing Avast. Norton 2008 had expired so it was inactive anyway.

PC was running fine before: No internet problems, no Outlook Express problems or no other known problems.

With Avast removed everything is running fine against but I should really have some form of Antivirus.

 

[WoodPeckr]

Yes, you need some AV with MS.
You could try putting Avast on again and see what happens, it may work better.
Or try AVG, another highly rated free AV. I never used AVG but a couple buddies have and they say it's a fine AV also.

ps: FWIW, Norton can be a real pain in the ass to remove. Symantec leaves files behind when you uninstall which may cause conflicts. You have to dig through C drive and remove all the Norton and Symantec files left and delete them also. You may even have to get a 'free' Registry cleaner to get rid of the 'registry keys' Norton/Symantec leaves there also. Because of this I won't ever use Norton again.

 

[raydeon]

Thanks WoodPeckr. I will try Avast again and AVG to see what happens. One thing I learned is not to use Norton again.
As I stated in my orirgnal tread, my plan is to reformat "C" and run Bcwipe3 and do a complete re-installation of o.s.....This would be the best way to get rid of all the junk, including Norton remmants. I wanted to try Avast first (and F.F.) as an intermediate measure because I am a bit short of time right now.

 

[Julius Caesar]

I use Kaspersky Internet Security 2009.
It is not a resource hog. Once it scanned my system and removed all problems. it has run perfectly with nothing getting through. I also run Malwarebytes anti malware it is also a great program.