Internet security - Virus Protection

[Guest]

George,
I am in the exact same boat that you are in...
I finally just clicked on one of those annoying reminder pop-ups yesterday and see that I can renew at 24.95 on the 2002, upgrade to the 2005 or upgrade to the 2005 with password security that is supposed to do everything under the friggin' sun...
I use XP also and I'm a bit uncertain what to do also, because that service pack that recently loaded up automatically did cause a few hiccups with the 2002 Norton stuff.
Mine is set to expire on the 18th, so let me know which route you took...
Signed.... Mr. "Don't-Know-Squat-About-That-Stuff"

[campadk]

Norton AntiVirus software is really good (IMHO), but there are others out there that are really good too. I do not like McCaffey (just I personal opinion). I like Norton about the best, but would recommend the get the 'Standalone' Anti-Virus (ONLY) not the internet security package or any other package from them.

Also, read (VERY IMPORTANT), if you change (or upgrade) your current antivirus, GO TO SYMANTEC'S WEBSITE AND GET SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS TO REMOVE WHAT YOU HAVE BEFORE INSTALLING THE NEW OR UPGRADE VERSION.

Kerry

I'll second that!!!!

I was using Norton AV and when it came time to renew I upgraded to the full package.. BAD BAD BAD! Firstly it did not detect that I already had AV installed and completed messed up our networking between computers. A lot of users already have a route/firewall and/or internet security provided by windows. It becomes overkill with all this cr*p software, and besides, every extra tidbit you install slllooowssss your computer that much more. Hardware (ie router) firewalls are MUCH better at protecting you than buggy, sllllowww software.

Its real sad that Norton doesn't automatically check to see if you have another version of their product already installed before hand. Most other software hands this just fine.

Anyways I was on the phone for about 2 ours with Symantec to fix their problem when I renewed. I couldn't believe all the hacking they had me doing to correct it... but in the end our local network was trashed, and remained that way for months. Norton would also cough out errors here and there. I was going to re-install my whole computer to correct it, but one day Norton updated its software and all of a sudden, voila! Our network started again.

Keep it simple and just use the anti-virus product. Forget all the extra cr*p and you'll be humming...

[Woody]

I have often wondered if all the anti-virus companies have some guy in a dark room inventing these virus on the internet just to boost the sales of there products

[toypusher]

There's a local college here that offers classes in how to write viruses. Sounds bad, however, the only way to learn how to guard against a virus is to know how it is created. (or at least that is the thinking behind this class). Kinda makes you wonder, though.


Dave,

I'm in southern PA, but next time you need help with the network, just make me an offer and I can come to Canada to help you out.

Kerry

[mikeschn]

You mean you're not familar with the underground reward system that pays the best virus writers for boosting an AV companys business? Oh, there is a catch, you can't get caught. Although if you are really good, and happen to get caught, they'll give you a job under the guise of looking for holes in the current AV software!



Mike...

P.S. Yes, Woody, I've often wondered too!!!

[purplepickup]

I just found out that the company I work for is licensed to allow employees to use Trend Micro PC-cillin Internet Security on our home PC's. It's the same software that our whole 50,000 employee corporation uses. It's an "all in one" type of software.....Anti Virus, firewall, spyware remover, home network control, wireless protection, etc. I'm a little spooked about uninstalling everything I'm currently running and switching to something I don't know anything about but the computer geeks at work recommend that it's better to run an all-in-one software instead of a bunch of different ones. They say I'm less likely to have compatability problems and by running many different things, it's slowing my machines down. Plus they're willing to answer questions if I have any.

I've still got a couple of days before my Norton updates stop. I think I'll go up to the cabin and ponder it over a couple of beers and some campfire cooked steaks......with mushrooms of course.