Uninstalled Norton Internet Security - good or bad?

The Avon Lady · 04-03-06, 04:34 AM

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:

Kapitan · 04-03-06, 04:58 AM

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

lesrae · 04-03-06, 05:25 AM

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.

jumpy · 04-03-06, 05:26 AM

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.

STEED · 04-03-06, 05:47 AM

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.

GunnersMate · 04-03-06, 09:16 AM

Mailwasher
AdAware
SpyBot
D-Link DI-704p

kiwi_2005 · 04-03-06, 02:49 PM

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.

Skybird · 04-03-06, 03:03 PM

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.

Hellcat · 04-03-06, 03:22 PM

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.

XabbaRus · 04-03-06, 04:02 PM

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.

Fish · 04-03-06, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lesrae

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.

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.

gdogghenrikson · 04-03-06, 04:34 PM

Quote:

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.

good call

sonar732 · 04-03-06, 06:01 PM

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.

The Avon Lady · 04-03-06, 11:51 PM

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:

kiwi_2005 · 04-04-06, 07:02 AM

Quote:

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.

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

View Poll Results: Is replacing Norton with this freeware a good idea?
Yes	21	65.63%
No	6	18.75%
Dunno	4	12.50%
Me no afraid of viruses and trojans anyway	1	3.13%
Voters: 32. You may not vote on this poll

04-03-06, 04:34 AM	#1
The Avon Lady Über Mom Join Date: May 2005 Location: Jerusalem, Israel Posts: 6,147 Downloads: 5 Uploads: 0	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: __________________ "Victory will come to us from the wombs of our women." - Houari Boumedienne, President of Algeria, Speech before the UN, 1974

04-03-06, 04:58 AM	#2
Kapitan Sub Test Pilot Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: UK + Canada Posts: 7,130 Downloads: 77 Uploads: 7	I dont realy know i only got one freeware virus scanner and it works fine. __________________ DONT FORGET if you like a post to nominate it by using the blue diamond Find out about Museum Ships here: https://www.museumships.us/ Flickr for all my pictures: https://www.flickr.com/photos/131313936@N03/ Navy general board articles: https://www.navygeneralboard.com/author/aegis/

04-03-06, 05:25 AM	#3
lesrae Grey Wolf Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Somerset, UK. Posts: 932 Downloads: 31 Uploads: 0	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. __________________ DOLPHIN 38

04-03-06, 05:26 AM	#4
jumpy Admiral Join Date: May 2003 Location: Midlands, UK Posts: 2,139 Downloads: 22 Uploads: 0	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. __________________ when you’ve been so long in the desert, any water, no matter how brackish, looks like life

04-03-06, 05:47 AM	#5
STEED Lucky Jack Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Down Town UK Posts: 27,695 Downloads: 89 Uploads: 48	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. __________________ Dr Who rest in peace 1963-2017. To borrow Davros saying...I NAME YOU CHIBNALL THE DESTROYER OF DR WHO YOU KILLED IT!

04-03-06, 09:16 AM	#6
GunnersMate Lieutenant Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: USS Sea Tiger Posts: 251 Downloads: 4 Uploads: 0	Mailwasher AdAware SpyBot D-Link DI-704p __________________ \"Sir they just fired an Exocet at us!\" \"Very well, Bosn pipe Sweepers\" I\'m having trouble with the radar, sir. What\'s wrong with it? I\'ve lost the bleeps, I\'ve lost the sweeps, and I\'ve lost the creeps.

04-03-06, 02:49 PM	#7
kiwi_2005 Eternal Patrol Join Date: May 2004 Location: Aeoteroa Posts: 7,382 Downloads: 223 Uploads: 1	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. __________________ RIP kiwi_2005 Those who can't laugh at themselves leave the job to others.

04-03-06, 03:03 PM	#8
Skybird Soaring Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: the mental asylum named Germany Posts: 42,602 Downloads: 10 Uploads: 0	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. __________________ If you feel nuts, consult an expert.

04-03-06, 03:22 PM	#9
Hellcat Ensign Join Date: May 2004 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 224 Downloads: 7 Uploads: 0	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. __________________ "readiness is only accomplished when the need for it is over"

04-03-06, 04:02 PM	#10
XabbaRus Navy Seal Join Date: Sep 2001 Posts: 5,330 Downloads: 5 Uploads: 0	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. __________________

04-03-06, 06:01 PM	#13
sonar732 The Old Man Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Central MO Posts: 1,562 Downloads: 6 Uploads: 0	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.

04-03-06, 11:51 PM	#14
The Avon Lady Über Mom Join Date: May 2005 Location: Jerusalem, Israel Posts: 6,147 Downloads: 5 Uploads: 0	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: __________________ "Victory will come to us from the wombs of our women." - Houari Boumedienne, President of Algeria, Speech before the UN, 1974