Norton Anti-Virus question

[KevB]

I purchased Norton several months ago (1 year subscription). My hard drive crashed and was fixed, but now I've lost my virus protection and don't have a disk to reload. I've combed Norton's website, and it's virtually impossible to actually get to a real person. Has anyone else had this problem, or have any other helpful tips? I'm also open to going with another anti-virus if there is no clear solution.

Signed,

Very f'ing frustrated PC owner waiting for virus to crash hard drive again...

[Saulbadguy]

AVG from Grisoft.

[ChiefsFire]

AVG from Grisoft.
AVG is great...and free

[Pants]

AVG from Grisoft.

The new edition is teh bomb. AVG > Norton, like Gonzales > Buchanon.

[Hammock Parties]

You shouldn't be using Norton anyway. It's a system hog.

[KevB]

The new edition is teh bomb. AVG > Norton, like Gonzales > Buchanon.

Anything I need to know, or just download and go? I actually just installed FireFox, and I'm enjoying that new little toy as we speak (adding extensions, tabbed browsing, etc.).

[Pants]

Anything I need to know, or just download and go? I actually just installed FireFox, and I'm enjoying that new little toy as we speak (adding extensions, tabbed browsing, etc.).

Firefox is awesome, not only does it have better features than IE, it's hella safer too.

As for AVG, it's really simple, just follow the steps it tells you to take. And unlike Norton it doesn't effing destroy your system resources and doesn't invade your whole freaking system (I've had shitty experiences with Norton, been using AVG for 2 years).

[ChiefsFire]

2 and a half years with AVG no probs

just downloaded newest version..couldnt be happier

[Frankie]

More info on this AVG please and how to get it. For those of us who are only semi-computer literate.

[Kerberos]

I work on computers for a living and I have UNF$%#@ED over a dozen machines because of AVG antivirus and its non-virus stoping features. You all may have good luck with it but in my experience AVG SUCKS.

I use nortons only on my personal machine and I have no problems with it.

Panda is rated #1 in almost all antivirus competitions. We buy it for less than $20 and the Platinum has firewall with it too. We sell allot of both it and nortons

JUST my experience and IMHO!

[the Talking Can]

More info on this AVG please and how to get it. For those of us who are only semi-computer literate.

go to grisoft.com

best thing going....you can schedule it to update and scan, its free, its scans e-mail, and I've had no problems since installing it over a year ago...I've recommended it to several friends and family, all are happy with it

[tommykat]

Thought I might download that...........but read this. I like EZTrust...

AVG Anti-Virus (http://www.grisoft.com/)
Announcing the End of Support for AVG Anti-Virus 6.0 (December 31, 2004) On December 31, 2004, full support for AVG 6.0 will be discontinued. Virus database updates will be released for AVG 6.0 until January, 31, 2005.
http://www.grisoft.com/

[KevB]

Thought I might download that...........but read this. I like EZTrust...

AVG Anti-Virus (http://www.grisoft.com/)
Announcing the End of Support for AVG Anti-Virus 6.0 (December 31, 2004) On December 31, 2004, full support for AVG 6.0 will be discontinued. Virus database updates will be released for AVG 6.0 until January, 31, 2005.
http://www.grisoft.com/


6.0 is an old version. 7.0 is available and supported.

[Ubergeek]

I have had better luck with Norton in terms of protection even though it is a bit of a resource hog.

I actually had the same problem...bought the subscription and had a HD crash. HP Replaced my HD and reimaged it which left me with the trial version 3 months of subscription. I found a number on Norton support site and called they gave me a new code for 1 year and told me to wait until the trial subscrition ended and then enter the code which would give me a full year. Since I had already used 6 months on my old subscription before the crash, then got 3 months on the new trial version and then 1 year additional I actually ended up 9 months ahead.

There is a support number on there.

[KevB]

I have had better luck with Norton in terms of protection even though it is a bit of a resource hog.

I actually had the same problem...bought the subscription and had a HD crash. HP Replaced my HD and reimaged it which left me with the trial version 3 months of subscription. I found a number on Norton support site and called they gave me a new code for 1 year and told me to wait until the trial subscrition ended and then enter the code which would give me a full year. Since I had already used 6 months on my old subscription before the crash, then got 3 months on the new trial version and then 1 year additional I actually ended up 9 months ahead.

There is a support number on there.

That's exactly what I'm dealing with. I couldn't find the support number, and I've looked with a fine toothed comb. Now that I know it's there somewhere, it has become a challenge. :thumb:

[OldTownChief]

AVG from Grisoft.


yu da man Saul :thumb:

Un-Install all Norton crap and Download AVG

[theultimatekcchiefsfan]

I just bought a laptop that came with 3 months of Norton AV. The first thing I did was uninstall it and install AVG. It is still the best. I also run free Avast on my other computer. Norton is a big scam IMO.

[warpaint99]

http://www.free-av.com/

[grandllama]

6.0 is an old version. 7.0 is available and supported.

yep, all my computers brought that to my attention, the upgrade to 7.0 is painless and still free.

[Fairplay]

AVG from Grisoft.




Yes! get AVG. Free. Norton blows the big one. My computer crashed too.
I paid good money for that crap and had it always updated.

[Kerberos]

YOU get what you pay for .. OR not pay for in this case ...

Sorry but AVG SUCKS balls

[Kerberos]

In my experience it's those who do not know how to configure Nortons (especially Internet Security) that have the most problems... If it takes free ware for you to manage it I guess more power to ya.

Cliff

[Fairplay]

In my experience it's those who do not know how to configure Nortons (especially Internet Security) that have the most problems... If it takes free ware for you to manage it I guess more power to ya.

Cliff



I don't really see what there is to configure, i mean, Norton is basic on what to set it at. Im just telling you from my experience as others on this thread have also.

[the Talking Can]

YOU get what you pay for .. OR not pay for in this case ...

Sorry but AVG SUCKS balls

why pay for Norton?

a retarded lab rat can configure it...that's not the point...the point is why pay money for something that isn't better (and may be worse) than a free product?

[Kerberos]

Like I said above... I have had to spend HOURS unclogging machines that had a plethora of viruses on them and guess what they were using for antivirus???

AVG.... CORRECT

Maybe you all have better luck than these dozen or so people .. but any machine that "I" have put NORTONS or Panda Antivirus on and update on a regular basis have little to NO problems..

As for the AVG ... I have seen too many times what free ware does to computers .. including the spyware that MOST (not all) seem to add to you registry. THAT is why it is FREE almost EVERY time ..

In my experience!

:)

Cliff

[Kerberos]

I stand corrected Grisoft makes a good server version of antivirus that is rated pretty high .. but then again it isn't free either ..

Buddy of mine owns an ISP and he uses AVG, Nortons and Panda command line to scan incoming email for viruses and he says the AVG does a damn good job!

..I'm tucking my tail and running now!

:(

Cliff

[Frankie]

JUST REPORTED: 1/6/05


Microsoft Offers Virus-Removal Programs

1 hour, 54 minutes ago

By TED BRIDIS, AP Technology Writer

WASHINGTON - Microsoft Corp., whose popular Windows software is a frequent target for Internet viruses, is offering a free security program to remove the most dangerous infections from computers.

The program, with monthly updates, is a step toward plans by Microsoft to sell full-blown antivirus software later this year.

Microsoft said Thursday that consumers can download the new security program from the company's Web site — www.microsoft.com — and that updated versions will be offered automatically and free each month. It will be available starting Tuesday.

Also, Microsoft offered Thursday a free program to remove "spyware," a category of irritating programs that secretly monitor the activities of Internet users and can cause sluggish computer performance or popup ads.

Microsoft said the virus-removal program will not prevent computer infections and was never intended to replace the need for traditional antivirus software, such as flagship products from McAfee Inc. or Symantec Corp.

But a senior Microsoft executive confirmed the company's plans to sell its own antivirus software, which would compete against programs from McAfee, Symantec and others.

Microsoft purchased a Romanian antivirus firm, GeCAD Software Srl., for an undisclosed amount in 2003. Industry rivals expect Microsoft's formal entry into the market as early as the spring.

"We will have a stand-alone antivirus product that is one of the things you can buy from Microsoft, but we're not announcing anything today," said Rich Kaplan, vice president for Microsoft's security business and technology unit.

The offers of free virus- and spyware-removal tools were intended to convince consumers that Microsoft is working to improve its software's security, Kaplan said.

Microsoft and other companies occasionally have offered separate programs to disinfect specific viruses. Microsoft promised its new removal tool will target a variety of infections and will be updated each month to recognize new ones.

Microsoft is sensitive to criticism about the susceptibility of its Windows operating system software to computer viruses. It has responded by tightening security for its popular Outlook e-mail software and improving the protective firewall utility for Windows. But its reputation largely has hinged on consumers' effective use of antivirus products and other security programs outside Microsoft's control.

Microsoft has proceeded more cautiously in recent years as it moves to compete against its one-time partners. European antitrust regulators last year fined the company $613 million over charges it abused its software monopoly. Microsoft is operating under restrictions from a U.S. antitrust settlement with the Bush administration until 2007.

Kaplan encouraged consumers to buy updated antivirus software from vendors such as Symantec and McAfee. He also expressed confidence that an industry organization formed to share details between Microsoft and leading antivirus companies about virus outbreaks would survive Microsoft's decision to compete directly against those same businesses.

Antivirus vendors have warned investors about the fallout as Microsoft enters the market. McAfee, for example, said in its most recent annual report that its own products could become "obsolete and unmarketable" if Microsoft were to include antivirus protection in Windows software.

A Symantec executive, Vincent Weafer, said Microsoft's success as an antivirus company at Symantec's expense was not guaranteed. Weafer noted that some leading security companies have decades of specialized experience and skilled researchers.

"This is an area we certainly think we can differentiate ourselves from Microsoft," Weafer said. "We've worked hard over the years to build trust with customers."

Microsoft disclosed last month that it planned to offer software to remove spyware programs that are secretly running on computers. But in a shift from past practice, Microsoft said it may charge consumers for future versions of the new protective technology, which Microsoft acquired by buying a small New York software firm.

Kaplan said the free version of Microsoft's new spyware-removal software will expire July 31 and pricing for future versions is still undecided. Rival anti-spyware tools, such as Lavasoft Inc.'s popular Ad-Aware product, offer similar functions to Microsoft's, and many are free.

__

On the Net:

Microsoft: http://www.microsoft.com/


OPINIONS?

[HC_Chief]

Grisoft's AVG is excellent... and free :thumb:

If you want all the features, it's ~$39 (not bad). The features in the free version are good enough for me

[Frosty]

I've had good luck with ClamWin (http://www.clamwin.com/) . It's open source and free, so no one is trying to sell you an "upgraded" version.

[penguinz]

AVG is crap. There are better free alternatives. One I would recommend is Avast (http://www.avast.com/). The free version is full featured.

[KevB]

AVG is crap. There are better free alternatives. One I would recommend is Avast (http://www.avast.com/). The free version is full featured.


Why do you say AVG is crap? I'm basically an install, update and let it do it's thing type of PC owner, so I admittedly am not any kind of an expert. I've heard nothing but good things about AVG.

[penguinz]

It does not find a lot of viruses. Its heuristics engine is poor.