Norton Security HELP

[Hellow]

How you get rid of Norton?

Install Linux.

Haha, I prefer AVG over Avast, but meh. I'm with everyone else, Norton is a resource hog and deserves to die in a fiery pit. Plus the fact that it's the AOL of security solutions.

[Catty1]

You can keep Internet Explorer - in fact, you can't get rid of it!

You just might want to try another browser for occasional things that IE can't reach.

Example: A few months ago, my ex-bf was trying to reach the website to check on the progress of his car insurance payments. He was using IE, and couldn't get through.

I tried it on Firefox, and it worked. And this remained the case with that one instance. There may be others.

[pomtzu]

I'm with blue. Norton is a resource hog and I don't like it. I don't say anything to clients who like it; for those who have questions or concerns, I go with AVG or Avast free versions.

I use a paid program from Trend Micro. About $50 a year, and MUCH less invasive! (There is a paid AVG as well).

Just mentioning that in case you think paying for one makes it better.

Avast Free (there are links to paid ones in the left margin):http://www.avast.com/eng/avast_4_home.html

Trend Micro: http://us.trendmicro.com/us/home/


AVG paid: http://www.avg.com/us-en/home-and-of...?ctype=ps3925e

AVG free: http://free.avg.com/ww-en/homepage

Comparison chart of features in free vs paid AVG: http://free.avg.com/ww-en/download-a...s-free-edition

OK - today was my last day before my Norton 360 expired. Well actually it expired 2 years ago. I purchased it - installed it - didn't like it - so they refunded my money. But - they never disabled it. I waited and waited - never happened. To quote RICHARD - morons!! Anyway - I didn't uninstall and it ran free of charge for 2 years.

So I decided to really get rid of them, uninstalled my one remaining day, and installed the free version of Avast. Question - is the free version really thorough enough? What does the paid version have over the free version, for an "average" user like me?

I use the computer mostly just for basics - PT of course , email, shopping, on line banking and bill pay, digital pics. I never go to sites that I deem as questionable, never open spam email links, never download anything if I have doubts, etc.

So do you think I have enough protection?

[blue]

The free version is what Ive been using for 7 or 8 years without an issue. Make sure you register it to get full usage of it.

I would also install either Spybot Search and Destroy or Malwarebytes to make sure your covered. Both are free and are good tools to have.

[pomtzu]

The free version is what Ive been using for 7 or 8 years without an issue. Make sure you register it to get full usage of it.

I would also install either Spybot Search and Destroy or Malwarebytes to make sure your covered. Both are free and are good tools to have.

Thanks blue. Yes - I did register it too.

I once used Lavasoft as a backup, but I thought it was rather useless. The tech guy where I used to work recommended Spybot too. Which is better - Spybot or Malware?

[Catty1]

First, kuhio - how did things work out for you?

pomtzu - I run Spybot and Malwarebytes on a client's computer for a big cleanup (like rogue spyware, viruses etc).

First, Avast or AVG etc - those are antivirus programs that you can schedule to update and run daily for maintenance.

Spybot and Malwarebytes I use for more intensive scans if something seems to be wonky with my computer (passwords disappearing, etc, or if my regular scan finds a Trojan etc).

I would use Spybot Search and Destroy. It scans very well, and gets all the bugs out. Make sure you update and immunize it every time you run it. It will show you those options whenever you open it.

I haven't used Ad-Aware (by Lavasoft) in years, so don't know what the latest versions are like.

Hope this helps.

[kuhio98]

First, kuhio - how did things work out for you?

I've been away at work since I posted. Won't fly home until this Sunday. I'll call Norton and see if they can help me.

[blue]

Thanks blue. Yes - I did register it too.

I once used Lavasoft as a backup, but I thought it was rather useless. The tech guy where I used to work recommended Spybot too. Which is better - Spybot or Malware?

I used AdAware a long time ago too. Ive used Spybot alot more then Ive used Malware, and like Catty I use it for deep scans on clients computers or anytime I get a weird hiccup on my computers. Either one is a good tool to have.

ETA: I try to run Spybot once a month. Another good tool to have for routine upkeep is CCleaner, its fast so I run it whenever I get the bur to do so.

[Catty1]

NB: Ccleaner won't clear out malware and viruses, but it will get rid of "filler" files and is one good way to speed up your computer!

Here are some instructions I PM'd to a couple of people:

1. http://www.filehippo.com/download_ccleaner/

Upper RHS - you'll see a green arrow and words saying "Download Latest Version". Do that.

Then open and run it. This thing will clean out more unused and useless files than Windows Disk Cleanup can dream of.

When you go to the Windows tab on CCleaner, uncheck Cookies, Autocomplete Form History, Start Menu Shortcuts, Desktop Shortcuts (unless you are happy to get rid of the shortcuts), and Wipe Free Space. If you know all your passwords, check Cookies as well.

Then check Run Cleaner in the lower RH corner of the window. When a little box pops up to warn you, click OK and make it go away. When it's done, look at how much crap it's removed! # is at the top of the window.

Do the same with the Applications tab. Again, uncheck Cookies.

In the left hand column, click on Registry. Click "Scan for issues" below. Click "No" to Back Up Registry popup box when it appears after you click "Fix Selected Issues" in the lower part of the box. Follow the prompts.

Repeat the Registry scan until no more appear.

This is longer to type than it is to do...and it will really clear up some space for you!

NOTE: At the top of the CCleaner screen around the LH corner, you will see RAM...it will list a number as MB. Might be 256, 512, 1024. Run the scan at www.crucial.com to see what RAM you have now and what upgrades are suited to your computer.

2. ALSO - Right click on the Start Menu, click Explore, and go to the second Windows folder - it has a looong list below it. Go to Prefetch, select all, and delete.