Norton Products

[dew7]

I think Symantec products are terrible with the exception of GoBack which I use to help protect my computer.  I do not like how Norton products add a great many registry keys to your computer.  I do not like how Norton support was rude to me on the telephone and hung up on me numerous times.  I do not like that Norton suggests that you get a priority number from the Internet just to contact them.  I have written Symantec a certified letter with a return receipt because I am pissed off that they are such a crappy company.  Please feel free to post regarding your comments of this company and I will also accept people that disagree with me.  Thank you and have a nice day!

[Jeysie]

I'm indifferent about Norton.

We use Norton at work but our computers are all such POSes that it really doesn't matter what we use because they'll still suck.

I used to use McAfee at home, until it started getting to the point where I couldn't run the system scan because it interfered with my modem connection, and I seldom updated because the updates were large and there was this completely weird way you had to download and install everything.

So I did some research, and came upon NOD32. The program uses about 10MB of disk drive space and almost no system resources, scans very quickly, integrates wonderfully with my e-mail client, offers daily updates in the 100KB size range for virus lists and about 2MB for full client upgrades, regularly wins awards in virus tests, and costs $10 less than Norton.

I have to admit I don't know what Eset's tech support is like... for the simple fact that I've never had any problems to call them about.

Peace & Luv, Liz

[Drunken Chinchilla]

Back in the day when my parents didn't believe I knew what to click and what not to click, they bought Norton System works *shudder* It just totally hogged the system resources and the worse thing was that it didn't detect viruses that (the lovely) AVG virus scanner did when I tried that out!

This could just be a one off thing but bleh, never going back to them again when I can get all the virus protection I need for free from AVG.

[Yonkey]

I've been using Norton ever since Windows 2000.  It's been alright for me, but I do tend to disable it if I need faster disk access for programs or something.  It's done a pretty good job about protecting me from viruses, so I keep using it.

[Louisiana Night]

I think they're okay for what they are( I even happen to be using it right now, despite considering uninstalling the thing a couple of weeks ago ).

I don't think it's the best virus scanner anymore...

but I still think it's a decent one.

[dew7]

AVG is the best free antivirus protection, imo.

Computer Associates EZARMOR is the best anti-virus protection and they have a good software firewall that is based upon ZA's firewall but just uses an older version of ZA firewall that will not change your system settings as much.  Also, after unistalling EZARMOR it will remove associated registry entries that Symantec (aka Norton) products leave behind.  I think all software should remove associated registry keys when being unistalled rather then the individual having to be experienced in registry data entry to allow them to remove associated registry entries.

Norton System Works gunks up the registry with over 200 entries that will have to be manually removed if you ever decide to get rid of Symantec products.

That being said I do use GoBack that used to be owned by Roxio but now is owned by Symantec to protect my 98SE system.  The XP part is protected by the inferior, imo System Restore.  Hopefully, Microsoft will release an improved System Restore that will be for sale as a stand-alone product that I and others could use to replace GoBack and not have to rely on any Symantec products.  Fortunately, Microsoft is beta testing anti-spyware products and they bought the tiny (13) employee company of Giant that was number 1 in detecting baddies.  I use SpySweeper by Webroot that is number 2 and the only viable option until Giant product is in full release. Also, Giant software and now it is part of Microsoft only supports 2000 and XP and so it will not be part of my 98SE system but will be added to the XP PRO. side of my dual-boot system.  Microsoft will also enter the anti-virus field and challenge Symantec so Symantec will be forced to change their poor software into better software by Microsoft.

Also, Mozilla Firefox is awesome.  Thanks again to Jeysie for convincing me to switch from the security plagued IE.  I had bought the line hook line and sinker about IE being secure.  I have purchased a t-shirt promoting FireFox to spread the good word.

I hope 98SE and the whole 9x source code will end up going open-source after 30 June 2006 which will be the final date of expiration of 98, 98SE and XP PRO.

Another reason why I don't like XP PRO. is that there are more services and thus more points of entry into an XP PRO. system and it is the one being targetted by hackers because so many people use it.  I have 98SE real smooth and customized and XP PRO. has been a b_tch to customize because I have to learn all about what everything does and that takes a great deal of time.  ALso, XP Pro. seems to sense that I do not like it as much and so it gives me trouble but really I know it is because of my lack of experience with XP PRO.  Everyone, have a Great DAY!

[Jeysie]

NP on the browser thing, Dew. Not only is Firefox more secure than IE, it's far better at rendering and features as well.

I'm really, really hoping that IE's next browser will not only be more secure and feature-rich, but be up-to-date in standards-compliance, too. Otherwise the future of web design will really be hurting.

As for customizing XP, I recommend giving XP Lite a try. 98 Lite gives you a gigantic amount of control over a Win98 installation, and while I obviously haven't needed to try XP Lite, it looks like it would work on the same principles.

Peace & Luv, Liz

[dew7]

Thanks, Jeysie.  I will have to investigate the matter.

[racx_00]

I have used Norton and Pc-cillin, and IMO they both suck, although older versions of Norton were great

Anywayz I was referred to avast which imo is a great freeware virus scanner, because of the fact that it catches viruses before they even enter your system

[dew7]

Avast sucks because it is constantly running and uses up too many system resources.  I think AVG is much better and it is also free for now.  Why do you keep say sh__ in the other safety thread about computers.  I think you could express yourself in a more mature manner.  I only let out the occasional cuss and not all the time.  What is wrong, rac_x?      

[koko_99_2001]

What did he say that was harsh???

[racx_00]

I like how Avast is constantly running and thats why I use it!

Also I said s*** because you annoyed me by saying "You wouldn't listen to my advice and now you have to suffer the consequences."

Also I personally believe that I have a very mature manner, and I believe that you should get to know me before judging.

[Jafar]

Okay, okay, thats enough.
Dew, try to be politer when you're pointing out someones mistakes.
"Rac_x"....stop cursing. You're scaring him.

[Drunken Chinchilla]

Hehe check Jafar-mod out!

But yeah guys, just take a deep breath and if needs be ignore each other. Works for me all teh time with forums

roffle well, im guessing you both are calm now, its like 2 days  

[Jafar]

Hehe check Jafar-mod out!

LOL. It's not that I'm trying to be a mod, it's that "I don't like confrontations!"

[Drunken Chinchilla]

I was just joshing   and for the record neither do I unless its me doing the confrontation  

[dew7]

Well I apologize to racx

Holds hand out to shake as sign of friendship

[racx_00]

I apologise also!

Glad to have sorted it all out mate

[Storm]

Don't think I've used Norton since Norton Disk Doctor for DOS...

I tried installing Symantec Systemworks a while back - it was really heavy and didn't work properly, so now I use Antivir instead.

Oh, and... a serious security problem with Symantec AntiVirus

[dew7]

Storm, I use AntiVir on the 98SE side of my system too.  

On the XP side, I use Computer Associates EZARMOR antivirus and firewall software.