[RESOLVED] Getting rid of Norton...

OK, I realise these questions have been asked a million times before, but..

I am going to uninstall Norton Internet Security beccause quite honestly it is becoming a pain with the huge amount of resources it is using, and not sure it does such a fantastic job anyway.

I would like people's opinions on what to replace it with. I am inclined to use AVG for anti-virus as this seems to get pretty good reports.

Recommendations for spyware, adware removal and also for a firewall. Is Windows XP firewall up to the job or is there a better alternative to use?

BTW, I have got Windows XP Home SP2 installed.


Thanks for any comments or recommendations.

Prevention is better than the cure.

NEVER USE INTERNET EXPLORER
for starters.

read some other posts on here, you should see common clean up tools.
i use AVG now which replaced my Norton's, and it is much better as far as speed goes. Once you prevent then you should not need to worry so much about any software firewall or constantly running anti malware tools. I would suggest at least a router though. Install the clean up and anti malware tools, but there is no need to have them open running or on start up (IMO). Unless of course you are downloading alot of free games, screen savers, or using IM programs such as MSN IM, which counts out the prevention idea. ;)

Sp2 is more secure than SP1, but since SP2 there have been at least 63+ security updates depending on OS. However I experienced some strange problems recurring from those updates so i almost would rather say just stick with Sp2, than say go out there and install all 63 updates and experience the same problems I did. Mind you the issues only happened on 1 PC and the one I use has not had any, so far.

Dont rely on this information alone though, please do some optional research. Also., you may say well why run AVG but not anti malware, well it uses less memory for starters, and also it is useful for preventing email viruses, even when you secure your email program properly as should be done.

Thanks for the reply rory. I must admit to quite liking the new IE7, but I am using the new Firefox too, so might make the switch a permanent one.

Have installed Spybot which has cleaned a lot of c**p out. I would agree with you that there is no need to run it on startup, or any other anti-crapware programs.

The router idea is a good one, will have a look into that.



OK, time to give Norton the red card!

Don't just rely on Spybot S&D though. even though it is getting alot better for other malware besides just Spyware .. also check out some of the ones listed here ..

http://www.vbforums.com/showpost.php...6&postcount=15

I use to live by Nortons, especially since I run a web server. I just got so tired of the number of processes it uses, as well as many of the false messages it kept bringing up .. I now use AVG as well as keep an eye on things with regular cleanups (most malware places itself in your temp folders BTW as well as utilizes IE; not sure about IE7 but had other issues related to that). But there are many other things to be done to protect the PC as well, as listed somewhat in that link above.

Also beware of Windows Media Player, when it is embedded into web pages.
Depending on the version, even that will get through FireFox.

One important tool i keep installed and at the fingertips, is CCleaner. Its also available in a Portable version (3rd party). When things are particularly bad i have "windows Cleanup!" on hand , usually on my USB Drive; requires no installation. Not to mention ofcourse AVG AntiSpyware (use to be called Ewido). The normal cleaners (CCLeaner/Windows Cleanup) are helpful to run first before any anti malware tools..

Certain Software you manually run (or install) is normally more dangerous than any built in Windows loopoles.
However default Windows XP installs can be just as potent.

Thanks for the link, plenty of good tips there, just what I was looking for.

Quote:

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Originally posted by rory
I just got so tired of the number of processes it uses

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I completely agree. Almost everything listed by task explorer or in msconfig seems to have something to do with Norton or Symantec, or at least that's what it feels like.

Dont forget to run the Nortons Removal Tool also .. as uninstalling using the Ad Remove Programs does not get rid of everything by default.

http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT...05033108162039

I actually went as far as making a VBscript that "terminates" all of Nortons services and processes ... it is rather crude but it did and does work .. doesn't remove anything though, just ends it all .. oh yeah then sends you to AVG's web site .. :D

OK, Norton is toast. :D

Have installed:

AVG anti-virus (free)
Zone-alarm firewall (free)
Spybot S&D
CCleaner

No router yet, but that requires cash. ;)


So far so good.

Cool .. once you get the router you can probably ditch Zone Alarm .. as thats just extra tasking .. unless you really need it for other reasons .. :D