Opinions requested on NAV--renew?, update?, or find something different?

Hello to all,

I would like some opinions on what I should do regarding my choices of keeping my computer "free from viruses ". I currenty have the NAV 2001 (stand alone version). My subscription is due to run out in about 10 days. What would you recommend that I do?

a) renew my subscription? (to keep antivirus definitions up to date)
b) purchase a newer version of NAV (2005 that is now available)?
c) trash the whole NAV and go with an on-line scanner or some other version of antivirus protection?

I am running Win98, IE 5.5 with a dial-up connection (can't afford the faster kind! )

I know I need to do something (and relatively soon!) so any suggestions that you may have will be greatly appreciated. (And if you wouldn't mind, please offer some support for the reason you suggest. )

Thank you!
Vicki

 

Get AVG7 (Free) or equal and in addition use one of the on-line scanners occasionally or if you sense problems.

I don't believe it's necessary to pay for AV protection - I never have done so and have no problems.

Free on-line scans:

HOUSECALL Free on-line Virus Scan http://housecall.antivirus.com/

PANDA Free on-line Virus Scan http://www.pandasoftware.com/activescan/com/

Free AVG7 software:

GRISOFT Free AV Software http://www.grisoft.com/html/us_index.htm

 

If you were to use AVG7.

CHECK DAILY for updates. Or it can be set to auto-check for updates at startup.

I use it and I have had no problems. I also run an on-line Housecall check once per week. I start the check and go eat dinner.

BillyBob

 

Vicki,

I have always used NAV on my systems with no problems, so I'm a little partial to them. Not sure if you can still get subscriptions to 2001, so you may have to purchase 2005. If you want a free anti virus program, AVG is an excellent program. The important thing is to keep any program updated. Either choice would be a good one.

Mike

 

Personal opinion and experience. I had Norton 2002. It was not equipped to handle Trojans very well, Virus' not a problem but Trojans were another issue. Even though I scrupulously kept the dat updated once in a while these would sneak in under the older versioned nose. Some were even indicated to be on the list of Trojans Norton was suppose to be able to handle. I found this most aggravating but tended to excuse Norton knowing that variants and writers of these stupid things would make them even more sophisticated all in an effort to make them harder to detect before infection. Some come equipped with code to fool scanners (even go so far as to disable them or render them nonfunctioning without you being the wiser).......

Skipping to chase, I have since purchased 2004. It is better equipped to handle the current critters out there, with added perk of detecting some malware/adware. While this causes a bit more lag or bog to OS performance I am more than happy to put up with it considering the alternative. When this subscription runs out, I will purchase 2005.

Which ever virus program you use I would opt for upgrading or buying a newer version, (preferably the latest your operating system can handle). I'd do this over renewing any subscription an older version would offer. Experimenting with free trials first should give you an idea if your system can handle it.

Adding a routine of on-line scanning on occasion can always be a benefit as these, regardless of your antivirus capabilities, will always do so with the latest engine and dat files available. In addition to making this a part of a scheduled routine, this should always be done when you have been infected or suspect your infected with something your current scanner either found or possibly hasn't found yet! No one single scanner can be depended upon 100% of the time. (Or scan for that matter).

 

Vicki--I am pretty sure you can get NAV or NIS or NortonSystemWorks (the latter two include NAV) almost free using the rebate offers from one or more of the office supply stores (like Office Max, Staples, etc) or computer stores (like CompUSA). Look in the Sunday newspaper flyers.
P.S. Just checked my trash and found that both CompUSA and Staples are offering NSW free after rebates this week. The rebates require proof of having a prior version, but that is satisfied by your registration # of the prior version, the old CD or the first page of the instruction book from the old version.

 

I have to agree that I would buy the whole Norton package- not just the AV. (What good is that if you don't have a good firewall?) AND, I am a loyal Norton customer...but...

Vicki has an older machine running Win 98. I would say to opt for a lightweight program like eTrust just because she probably can't afford to spare the resources Norton will want.

On a newer machine, Norton's bloat isn't noticeable. I very happily run NIS 2003, but I've got XP Pro, a gig of memory and a new AMD processer. I put Norton on my kids' ancient HP Pent 2, and it bogs it down. A routine update that I wouldn't notice on my own computer, with a cable connection, can take forever and a day to complete on the kids' comp on dial up. I have actually finished my work on that comp and walked away, leaving it connected to the internet, so that Norton could finish. When I installed Norton on it, I think the initial updates took several hours and reboots. (When the Norton sub expires, I think I'll put freebies on, after all, it's a dinosaur of a comp, it belongs to my kids, and who cares if it gets messed up? )

Ann made a good point, too:

If Santa brings the kids a new comp for Xmas, I will put NIS 04 0r 05 on there in a heartbeat. I think Symantec makes an excellent product, reliable, dependable, and easy to configure. I routinely install it on new computers, and haven't ever had to depend on Symantec Support (That's Christer's department, trying to unlock Symantec's mysteries!) to solve a problem. Ordinarily, I'm one of the few defenders of Norton on this BBS. But not in this case.

Johanna

 

If you get NIS or NSW, you can selectively install only NAV to save hard disk space. I suggested these only because Symantec oftens offers them for free while still charging for NAV.
NAV 2005 also will be offered free for the next few months if you buy a tax preparation program. If you are going to get one of those anyway, get it from a store offering the promotion. Again, see the Sunday newspapers.

 

Hello Vicki,

I agree, get the latest AV engine of whichever brands that have been recommended.

I'm not a big fan of Symantec - but I have read relatively glowing reviews of NAV2005.

What I would not do, seconding Johanna, is use their suite on your system - the resource load would be too much. I would, and I assume you do currently, use a standalone Firewall.

Note to Ann:

I had Norton 2002. It was not equipped to handle Trojans very well, Virus' not a problem but Trojans were another issue.
No AV does with the possible exception of Karspasky - and it's a monster. Can't rely on an AV's to detect trojans.

Regards - Charles

 

Thanks to all,

Thank you to everyone who offered their suggestions/opinions. I really appreciate your input! I still haven't completely made up my mind as to what I should do, but some of the comments given have made me think a little more about it!

I have heard something to this affect before (Norton's being a resource hog). Would the AVG7 fall under a "lightweight" program as well? And do both eTrust and AVG7 offer any type of on-line support? (I always manage to botch up something sooner or later! )

Uh-oh:

Think I may be in trouble here? I don't and sounds like I should? Not sure what it even is and where do I find it?

Once again, I truly thank everyone on this BBS! I have learned so much from my frequent visits here (but obviously I still have a long way to go! )

Keep the suggestions coming!
Vicki

 

Hi Vicki,

Think I may be in trouble here? I don't and sounds like I should? Not sure what it even is and where do I find it?

Resources to begin answering your question:

http://computer.howstuffworks.com/firewall.htm What it is and how it works.


Comparisons:
http://firewallguide.com/software.htm
http://firewall-net.com/

Regards - Charles

 

Another good option, Vicki, is the suite from Trend Micro... PC Cillin.

 

Hi Vicki,
I have downloaded and installed Zone Alarm with anti-virus for two beginner friends, and so far they are reporting no problems. It costs about $25 and updates automatically. One good point is that only one installation is required for firewall, and anti-virus protection!

Roger