Antivirus Software Advice Please

[chooch]

Hey everyone.

My subscription is going to run out soon on my Norton antivirus/firewall package, and I don't exactly feel like paying the renewal fee if there is a better alternative. I have heard people talking about the free AVG software, but is it just as good as the Norton stuff? Seems like Norton was coming out with a new update of some kind every few days or so, which makes me think they are pretty on top of things. But when I have tried the free software before it seems like sometimes they don't have any new updates for a couple of weeks at a time. I guess Norton could be coming out with a bunch of updates that don't really do much just so they look good, but still.....

Have things changed in the past few years since I have used the free stuff? I am a little paranoid about getting a virus (as I am sure we all are), but I'd like to explore some options before I fork over the cash to Norton for another year's subscription.

-C.

 

[Chingada]

I have a "geek" come in and fix my computer when I have problems and he has been great. I used to have Norton anti virus, but the geek recommended I get NOD32. He installed it and I have absolutely no problems at all. In the past, when I had Norton, I did run into some problems but with NOD32 it has been fabulous.

Do a Google search for NOD32 and check it out.

 

[RDangerfield]

AVG is Great

I have been using AVG for the past few years and it has served me well.

You can download it for free:

http://www.grisoft.com

 

[tom25]

I use AVG as well and find it really good. Unlike a lot of free software you get automatic updates with AVG. It updates itself automatically and there are new virus detection rules and updates at least weekly and probably more often. When I first started using it it found stuff Norton was missing.

Tom

 

[El Tigre]

My opinion.......

I've used Norton Internet Security for years. When my subscription runs out, I go for the upgrade to the lastest model. It's about $10 more than a subscription and you download the latest version which you can burn to a CD if you need to re-install. Last year I think the upgrade was about $40, which amortized over a year is chump change. I hope I don't jinx it by saying this, but Norton hasn't let me down yet, and it's very powerful and complete.

 

[FuZzYknUckLeS]

I have a "geek" come in and fix my computer when I have problems and he has been great. I used to have Norton anti virus, but the geek recommended I get NOD32. He installed it and I have absolutely no problems at all. In the past, when I had Norton, I did run into some problems but with NOD32 it has been fabulous.

Do a Google search for NOD32 and check it out.

Get a new geek. My guess is that he has a higher profit margin on the NOD AV. Norton Internet Security 2005 is all I would use. Its the total package if you're connected to the net for long periods. Compare reviews if you like. Norton is all around better than NOD32 for protecting your pc.


and chooch, if you want to hold off on a new Norton install, you can manually update the definitions for free from various net sources, or simply copy them to a disk from a friends/work pc and update from the disc. You will get the nag screens still, which can be a minor nuisance.

 

[sdw]

I've found that Avast works best and is free. It does an announcement when it updates and can surprise you when it announces that it has upgraded.
http://www.avast.com/i_kat_207.php?lang=ENG

You can use the intelligent updater to upgrade Norton
http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/download.html

The Shaw and Telus packages are for people for children. They do a bunch of annoying stuff and block some programs from working.

I use a toolbox of free products to keep free of infestations.

 

[chooch]

Thanks for all of the advice guys, I guess I will just have to make a decision.

By the way, are there any recomendations for free firewalls as well? I am running a firewall right now with my Norton package, and I am sure it has saved my pc a few times. Thanks again.

-C.

 

[sdw]

If you have Windows XP and it is patched to SP2, you have a pretty decent firewall built in.

If you are running a previous version of Windows, the free version of Zone Alarm works pretty well. The Telus and Shaw packages use Zone Alarm Pro as their firewall. Zone Alarm Pro is what causes them to be somewhat annoying if the user is using the Ad Blocker and Parental Controls. Zone Alarm is here: http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/home.jsp

 

[sdw]

This site has a number of useful tools and information on maintaining a clean and private system. http://www.aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm

 

[shadowfx]

free is not always the best

I work in computer technical support. You get what you pay for free is not always the best solution. You can go to Microsoft at the following link http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/downloads/default.mspx

You will find trial versions of the following products some for a whole year.
Antivirus software & firewall protection
Get special offers from the following software companies for antivirus and firewall packages.
• Computer Associates
12-month free trial
• F-Secure
6-month free trial
• McAfee
90-day free trial
• Antivirus

• Firewall


• Panda Software
90-day free trial
• Symantec (Norton)
90-day free trial
• Trend Micro
90-day free trial


I would also go to this website as well www.firewallguide.com . The one I use is computer associates. One of the best right now is panda

 

[JustAGuy]

Let me echo what RDangerfield and Tom25 said about AVG. It's excellent and I'd have said that even if the "rescue disk" it made me create hadn't saved my bacon a couple of months back after my computer died a horrible death. More and more businesses seem to be using AVG as well due to the fact that there are apparently a lot of hackers out there who write programs specifically aimed at Norton users. My boss had his computer wiped out by one such hacker when he foolishly opened an e-mail from himself (he should have KNOWN he hadn't sent himself any e-mail) and all it said was "Sorry" before totally wiping out his hard drive. The techie who brought his computer back to life recommended AVG and my boss has been a more than satisfied AVG user ever since.

 

[hitrack]

Norton is great and I used it for about 3 yrs, but got tired of all the number entering one day after I formatted my comp to start fresh from installin some new hardware. Went with AVG. After some comparisons I had recently seen I concluded that there all about the same. So pick the easiest one to install. No activation or CD Key entering with AVG, just install it and use it.

 

[chooch]

Great advice guys, thanks again.

-C.