Which antivirus program should I use?

I have just received my new computer from the guy who tried to fix my old one. He transferred all my old data onto the new computer but also installed a 4 month free trial of Windows Live OneCare. I have just had a guy from Symantec download Norton Antivirus as my subscription does not run out until next year. I am worried that running both of these will slow down my computer. Should I disable one and if so what do you recommend is better to have, I've always been happy with Norton but I wouldn't really know what is what.

Thanks

 

take a look at this and see what you think.
http://www.windowsbbs.com/general-security/77092-you-using-anti-virus-software-if-so.html

If you are going to pay, get Eset Nod32, if free, avast or avg.

AVG might have better detection rates than Avast, but I find AVG to slow the computer down.

Hope this helps!

 

Thanks sniper9228,

I had already had a quick look at that thread, didn't make my decision any easier though, just found more options. This might seem like a silly question, buy why pay for antivirus programs if you can get them for free?

I think as time goes by I know less and less about computers! And I'm not that old.

 

answer

In general, my thought is that paid antiviruses provide better protection. Antivirus is almost the most vital program and is almost installed on everyone's computer. It is up to you though.

Good question

Take a look at these links.
http://forums.cnet.com/5208-10149_102-0.html?forumID=7&threadID=249393&messageID=2495940
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=97818
http://hyipblog.nobshyip.net/2007/05/30/free-or-paid-antivirus-any-difference/
http://www.theeldergeek.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=26547&mode=threaded

 

Well after reading everything I guess I've decided that the free versions are probably good, if you know computers, as I don't know much about how everything works I am better off with a paid AV program.

But back to my original problem, I have two programs running and I'm not sure this is a good thing. I have a subscription to Norton and a free trial of Windows Live OneCare which will both run out at about the same time (in 4 months). But at the moment it seems to me that they are both blocking each other in some way. I think I am happy to stay with Norton, I haven't had a problem since I got Norton in 2003 and the only virus I've ever had is WinAntiVirus.

Guess what I think I want to do is get rid of Windows Live OneCare but I don't know how to do it properly, do I just uninstall it?

 

good

Good choice, add/remove programs, start menu control panel

 

Just uninstalled Windows Live OneCare and everything seems to be working much better now. Thanks for the info.

 

Not sure where you are with your issues, but if I were in your shoes... I would go with Norton. Why? You haven't had problems with it in the past... you have a full year left... it's already on your computer... etc etc etc. Don't listen to the so-called experts. Millions of folks use Norton, McAfee and a host of other security software without nary a problem. If they want to go with the 'free stuff' then that's their business. And the truth of the matter is... folks will always recommend what they use personally since it's a validation of their own choices. Just go with Norton and you'll have no problems. OH... and by the way, I use McAfee (without any problems) so I've no vested interest in advising you one way or the other. Best wishes to you.

 

If you pay for your antivirus software you are contributing to the survival of the company that makes it, and to the development costs for its continued improvements. Those of us who can afford to pay (I know, that's in the eye of the beholder) should pay, for the common good, and to reward the people who develop these things. If you can't afford it, then you will still be contributing to the common good by using a free one - but you only get two gold stars instead of three.

 

I do not like Norton, but that's my personal experience, but I must agree with others and your own statement.

You've paid for it, you haven't had a problem with it so stay with it.

You should note though every one has there own preference, would you ask the world what colour tie to wear to work

When you have specific issues is when you should ask for help, but yes only run one AV or Firewall at a time or conflicts will arise.

When your subscription runs out, look around and make your own decision.

 

I also am not a Norton or McAfee fan...I have used Symantec products in the past but gave them up. I now use NOD32 3.0 on all my PC's and Laptops except for one...I'm playing with Comodo Antivirus on a test Laptop.

I also agree that if you've already paid for it then use it until the subscrition is almost finished then make a decision to resubscribe or install another AV.

For free I like to reccommend AVG and Avast.

 

Agree

I used to love Norton, until it slowed my computer down to a crawl and crashed it. They also have too much bloatware than what they had before. I recommend as soon as the subscription runs out, run from Norton and choose another product. That is my preference.

BTW, I had a dream last night that I was ban from the windowsbbs forum for flaming. I wonder why.

 

Thanks for everyone's input, I have already solved the problem and I uninstalled Windows Live OneCare. Which immediately improved a few things. I Guess I will probably stay with Norton until such time that I have issues with them, and then I will make any necessary decisions.

Thanks again