Norton Replacement

Since my decision to junk Norton from my computers I've chosen McAfee for antivirus and ZoneAlarm for the firewall. Any comments?

Also can anyone recommend a freeware alternative for Norton Utilities?

 

Well... in my opinion, you've jumped from the proverbial frying pan and into the fire. McAfee has caused more trouble on my computers, my wife's and those I know than any other software of a similar function.

There are actually better "free" programs (again... in my opinion) than McAfee. For instance, either AVG or EZ Trust offer AV programs taking up far fewer resources and not presenting the same conflicts with other programs running on your comptuer.

My wife and I use Trend Micro PC cillin which offers a great internet security suite for $29.

 

Hi James

My choice of antivirus lay between McAfee and AVG, and I still have both available. Recent magazine reviews rated McAfee higher, which pushed me into that camp. Your comments are why I asked for advice -- the old Norton kit integrated AV & firewall, and obviously with separate suppliers it is important that the two utilities work happily together.

I've also been pushed towards Kerio for the firewall, but they give instructions for linking with all AV utilities accept McAfee.

Having been bitten by Norton I'd rather not start paying out (I'm looking for three installations) until I know that the combination will work together. The Trend package is intregral but no trial period.

 

Actually, it gave a choice when we got it: either a free 90 day trial or $29. We took the immediate payment and we're glad. We believed that $29 was not too much for security and daily updates (which is what we receive). It also has a spyware search and destroy. A very nice package indeed.

 

I think James gave you a very good opinion.

Going back a few years I was a very strong advocate for McAfee. Then they released a buggy version which crippled most 98 installations. I didn't wait around for a fix, just jumped ship and went to Norton, which I still use, albeit carefully. Haven't done a McAfee install since and don't let any of my client's use it either. About 3 weeks ago, I get a problem machine from a new client referral. Machine is crippled - McAfee (brand spanking new installation of their latest security suite). Took 3+ minutes to boot and fully load. Apps ran like maple syrup at -10 degrees F. Removed McAfee, cleaned up machine, installed AVG - result - machine runs about 3x as fast and client says it has never been as fast, even when new.

The decision is yours, but the frying pan to fire analogy is a good one - And, while there are probably those who use and like McAfee, I'm certainly not one of them.

 

Born Cynic
I have used McAfee online sense 98, On my old Windows 98 and now on my Windows XP and both machines have never run slow or had problems.
I have yet to have any major problems. Unlike many people I know of with Nortons.

Free versions may be fine, But I tend to believe you get what you pay for

I have read that PC Cillin Is good as it has a firewall along with antivirus for the same price.
I don't know any one that has it, so I haven't heard either way.

I will stick with McAfee until they give me a reason not to.

Geri

 

Thanks guys. Change is scheduled for end February when DVD backup takes place. In top slot AVG. Any comments Kerio with AVG? Anyone using this combo?

Shame about McAfee - it was offered by employer to assist working from home, but believed to be cut-down version.

 

Geri:

Care to elaborate and differentiate - Thanks.

 

Not the retail

 

Care to elaborate and differentiate - Thanks.

 

OK
Not sure what you want to know

McAfee Virusscan 9. purchased online, not the retail box, Auto updates.

I know 3 people that have the same with nortons, All 3 have had viruses infect their computer, even though they have the same equivalent as McAfee's online version that I have.

One person has a Adware (not Ad Aware) infection and is useing nortons which for some reason nortons can not clean from her system.
(I tried to get her here for some help, but she has not show up yet)

Windows Firewall (XP SP2) stopped another from getting updates from nortons (and ended up with phatbot back door on his system).which did not cause a problem for McAfee before I got McAfee's firewall.

I'm not saying that nortons is no good, Just that of the 3 people that I know that have nortons each one has had problems with it.
3 out of 3, not very good odds

I have yet to have a major problem with McAfee in the 6 plus years that I have been useing it, so until I have a reason I will stick with them.
As I told Newt in another thread, To each his own I guess.

Geri

 

Ok guys. Installed AVG and Kerio three days ago. Installation went like a dream. Installed AVG first, then Kerio automatically configured itself for AVG. Computer runs at least twice as fast as when running Symantec. Regedit shows huge reduction in registry size. Computer passes all Gibson tests (after closing ping facility). Very pleased. Many thanks. Another week and then I'll gladly register both.