Uninstalled Norton Internet Security - good or bad?
 

I've been test running a PC, where Norton Internet Security 2005 was previously installed and handled the firewall, email scanning and spam filtering.

Have since removed Norton and installed AVG Free Edition and ZoneAlarm to handle viruses and firewall protection.

Everything has been constantly running faster. Startup, shutdown, everything.

I've just made the same change today on my notebook having SH3 installed on it. Again, everything's noticeably quicker, including SH3 startup and career patrol loading, too.

Good or bad idea? What do you think? :hmm:

I dont realy know i only got one freeware virus scanner and it works fine.

I've been running with AVG for a few years now and highly recommend it, it's certainly 'lighter' than Norton. I know opinions vary on different AV but it has to be up there with the best free ones.

I used to use ZoneAlarm, but now just rely on XP's built in firewall, again I've never had problems with either of them.

All in all I'd say you've certainly done the right thing.

I use ZoneAlarm firewall (and now ZoneAlarm PRO) on my machine and my better half has AVG free antivirus and ZA firewall on her 'puter.
ZA is great... the last time I had norton internet security installed I had the devils own job of allowing internet sharing and access- it used to forget my rules as and when it felt like it.
Since getting ZA (both my previouse freeware version and my paid for PRO version) I have had no trouble at all. Does the job, has kept out viruses and other nasty stuff. Only thing to remember with the free ZA firewall is that it will not allow ICS - internet connection sharing - using one machine as a gateway to others on a network; you need ZA PRO for this.

I also have Norton Antivirus 2005.

I have got Norton Anti Virus and Firewall 2006 got them as a present at xmas both are running well, I shall check the cost of renew near the end of the year. What I do and is recommended do a once a month on line anti virus scan just in case the installed one missed anything. For the online one I go to BIT DEFENDER so far all OK and that's find by me.

Mailwasher
AdAware
SpyBot
D-Link DI-704p

Nortons is crap. Good move you uninstalled it. 9out 10 times ppl bring there pcs to fix cos of slow downs for a quick fix i just delete there nortons. And install some freeware antivirus.

Free - AVG Personal edition
Not Free - Avasti Pro [ but very good]
Firewall - WindowsXP SP2 firewall is ok or System Machanic 7's firewall is good and comes with its own antivirus

This next recommendation is gonna cos a lot to blast it, but Ive been running Microsofts AntiSpyware Beta 1 for a few months and its perfect, i find it better than ad-aware.

I had to do with four different Norton softwares on four PCs,, Win98SE and winXP. three times it gave me headaches, one time it worked reliable and well.

I avoid Norton like the pleague. customer feedback sites had been regularly crowded with complaints that never weresolved, until after one year critics were advise to buy the newest and latest version of the software.

"No go" from me. I work with free AntiVir PE and free Zonealarm, combined with my restrictive way of using IE, and my paranoia when being online, I neither had a real security problem since then, nor have i missed something important in content. It also spares you money. I also use Spybot, A-squared and Adaware, which also are free.

The best security suite is inside your head.

http://www.grc.com/default.htm

Have a visit at this site and check it. Especially look out for something called "Shields Up!" At least it will shout bloody murder! when you have very obvious security holes in your port protection scheme.

I honestly believe that the "internet security" programs are highly overrated. The knowledagble user can get away with a good anti virus program, a router and most importantly mature internet usage. (trusted sites etc...)

I use the following on my several systems....

NOD 32 anitvirus, highly rated alternative to norton AV. bloat free and solid functionality.

Adaware for the bi-weekly scans

router with blocked ports and all that good stuff.

I'm sure many of you on these boards know enough that you have your own setup that works well. I am only posting this to give an idea of what I use. It may not be the best but it fits in my budget and gets the job done.

I use Zone Alarm Pro for my firewall and AV. So far no problems.

Runs fine and good customer care.

Also I use Firefox and don't go to dodgy sites.

The same here, AVG and XP's firewall.
I had Babylon Virus Scanner/Firewall, but it would't let me play Dangerous Waters online, I had to delete it completely. :(

good call

I highly recommend AVG and ZA combination for people wanting a freeware software package to protect their computer. In fact, I've uninstalled Norton from computers way before the renewal was up. Make sure that you get the uninstaller from Norton because 60% of the time, Windows uninstall feature doesn't get rid of all of Norton.

At this point in the poll, we have 2 naysayers. I wish they'd pipe up and explain why this is not a good idea. :hmm:

They are probably Linux users, they love using Nortons to "CREATE" viruses :yep:

:-j