Norton Alternatives

  • Thread starter Thread starter Garry Clarke
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Garry Clarke

I have Norton IS 2004 but it told me it had a serious error and had to be
re-installed. I have lost the disk (think I through it out when I recently
got rid of about sixty CDs accumulated from computer mags). I have the CD
sleeve with product activation key and Symantec want to charge me $44 for a
replacement disk. So I'm considering taking the opportunity to explore
other products.

I've heard people describe NAV as 'bloated'. I read one critic describe
Norton as "a triumph of brand-name over ability". That person prefers
F-Prot.

I would appreciate comments/experience on anti-virus and internet security
products. If there are any free products that perform as well as the
commercial options then I'd really like to hear about them. Having bought
about 5 different versions of Norton (IS and Systemworks) I really don't
feel like throwing more money at Symantec.

thanks

Garry
 
I have Norton IS 2004 but it told me it had a serious error and had to be
re-installed. I have lost the disk (think I through it out when I recently
got rid of about sixty CDs accumulated from computer mags). I have the CD
sleeve with product activation key and Symantec want to charge me $44 for a
replacement disk. So I'm considering taking the opportunity to explore
other products.

I've heard people describe NAV as 'bloated'. I read one critic describe
Norton as "a triumph of brand-name over ability". That person prefers
F-Prot.
Click to expand...
F-Prot, NOD32...
 
Norton's reputation precedes it and it's not good. They are known for all
the things that you mention and more. The stories abound....terrible to
non-existant tech support...expensive...bloatware...etc..etc. That being
said it works for some people. What works for me and doesn't get mentioned
all that much is Trend Micro. They used to make just a standalone AV
called PCCillin, but it's since been integrated into an all in one product
called Trend Micro Internet Security. It's got a firewall, anti-spam,
anti-virus, etc. I turn all the other crap off and just use the antivirus
feature and am happy with it. I've been using Trend since 1995/1996. I
have to tell you that I have paid versions of Panda Titanium, KAV, Norton,
and eTrust laying around and have used all of these to try them out on a
regular basis, but somehow always end up coming back to Trend.
Incidentally, I have never gotten a virus. I also practice safe hex.
 
Garry Clarke said:
I would appreciate comments/experience on anti-virus and internet security
products. If there are any free products that perform as well as the
commercial options then I'd really like to hear about them.
Click to expand...

A lot would depend on how you use your computer, and even
then most with similar usage habits have personal preferences
in GUI, features, and update methods.

Do you run a home network? Do you use filesharing programs
to download (and run) executables? Do you have a good idea
of what constitutes safe computing practices ("safe hex")? The
more safety that you take upon yourself to implement, the less
you will need to rely on internet security products.
 
I have Norton IS 2004 but it told me it had a serious error and had to be
re-installed. I have lost the disk (think I through it out when I recently
got rid of about sixty CDs accumulated from computer mags). I have the CD
sleeve with product activation key and Symantec want to charge me $44 for a
replacement disk. So I'm considering taking the opportunity to explore
other products.

I've heard people describe NAV as 'bloated'. I read one critic describe
Norton as "a triumph of brand-name over ability". That person prefers
F-Prot.

I would appreciate comments/experience on anti-virus and internet security
products. If there are any free products that perform as well as the
commercial options then I'd really like to hear about them. Having bought
about 5 different versions of Norton (IS and Systemworks) I really don't
feel like throwing more money at Symantec.

thanks

Garry
Click to expand...

Hi Garry,

You asked about two subjects and I'll address each from my
perspective as a long time user.

Antivirus:

Up-to-date definitions provide the protection, not the brand or
price of an AV. No single AV can 'always' be first to update their
definitions against the newest infections. To lessen your chances,
take a few minutes to frequently update 'multiple' AVs.

My preferred commercial AV is one of the least expensive available.
Sorry, I never recommend where people should spend their money.

My preferred free AV is Avast Home Ed 4.1. A description is here:
http://www.asw.cz/i_idt_153.html

AVG is another good free AV and can be found here:
http://www.grisoft.com/us/us_dwnl_free.php

Because windows based AVs can be corrupted, a good free DOS based
AV is F-Prot for DOS. Info on F_Prot for DOS is available here:
http://www.f-secure.com/download-purchase/tools.shtml
DL here: ftp://ftp.f-secure.com/anti-virus/free/

Internet security products:

Once you learn and practice Safehex, your 'need' for protection
will be reduced considerably. No P2P, no file-sharing, no opening
of uninvited email attachments, etc.
http://www.claymania.com/safe-hex.html

Some spyware can be as difficult to remove as virus, trojans and
worms. SpywareBlaster doesn't scan and clean spyware - it prevents
it from ever being installed.
http://www.wilderssecurity.net/spywareblaster.html

Spyware cleaning can be accomplished with Adaware or SpybotSD:
http://www.lavasoft.de
Click on Adaware

Ads are not only annoying, some are becoming dangerous.
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/restricted.htm#Why

Web browsers can make a big difference in security. The problem
with IE is that known security vulnerabilities multiply faster
than M$ can create patches. I disable both activex and scripting
for general browsing. MS java problems can only be corrected by
installing Sun Java in its place. Many knowledgeable users are
replacing IE and OE with Mozilla. Those who already have a safer
replacement for OE are using the Firebird browser. Depending on
how far you want to go in improving your internet security, you
may want to visit:
http://www.mozilla.org/products

Browse these excellent forums to increase your security awareness:
http://www.wilderssecurity.com/index.php?board=26
http://www.spywareinfo.com/forums/

Although I prefer free Kerio personal firewall, you can get many
additional recommendations in the comp.security.firewalls NG.
http://www.dslreports.com/forum/kerio

My 2¢, HTH

BoB
 
Garry said:
I have Norton IS 2004 but it told me it had a serious error and had to be
re-installed. I have lost the disk (think I through it out when I recently
got rid of about sixty CDs accumulated from computer mags). I have the CD
sleeve with product activation key and Symantec want to charge me $44 for a
replacement disk. So I'm considering taking the opportunity to explore
other products.

I've heard people describe NAV as 'bloated'. I read one critic describe
Norton as "a triumph of brand-name over ability". That person prefers
F-Prot.

I would appreciate comments/experience on anti-virus and internet security
products. If there are any free products that perform as well as the
commercial options then I'd really like to hear about them. Having bought
about 5 different versions of Norton (IS and Systemworks) I really don't
feel like throwing more money at Symantec.

thanks

Garry
Click to expand...
I like Trend Micro's Internet Security Product. It's not free, but then
again, free limits your choices.
 
Garry- asking people which AV sanner people prefer is like asking them about
their MD's (ever hear anyone say "Oh yeah- my Doc is an idiot"?). There one
they use is always the best.

I just started a thread with results from a joint Great Britan- Greek test
that may be of interest to you.

harry
 
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