Norton Antivirus 2003 vs 2005

[RagingInMiami]

If I have 2003 on my laptop, would it make any difference at all if I upgrade to 2005?

[hobbit709]

1. Not really, but why upgrade?

[RagingInMiami]

2. Well, I bought the 2005 version today in Costco for $59

because it comes with a $35 rebate. But I haven't opened it yet. If there is really no difference between 2003 and 2005, I will just return it.

But wouldn't the 2005 version offer more protection against viruses that have evolved since 2003?

[LiberalUprising]

3. Don't waste your money on Norton or Mccafee

AVG is FREE and will catch things Norton doesn't, has free auto updates as well. Norton is a resource hog as well.

AVG Free Edition is the well-known anti-virus protection tool. AVG Free is available free-of-charge to home users for the life of the product! Rapid virus database updates are available for the lifetime of the product, thereby providing the high-level of detection capability that millions of users around the world trust to protect their computers. AVG Free is easy-to-use and will not slow your system down (low system resource requirements).

Highlights include:

* Automatic update functionality
* The AVG Resident Shield, which provides real-time protection as files are opened and programs are run
* The AVG E-mail Scanner, which protects your e-mail
* The AVG On-Demand Scanner, which allows the user to perform scheduled and manual tests
* Free Virus Database Updates for the lifetime of the product
* AVG Virus Vault for safe handling of infected files
* Great customer satisfaction!

http://free.grisoft.com/freeweb.php/doc/2/

[RagingInMiami]

4. I have AVG

I just wasn't sure how good it was compared to Norton's. I also didn't realize that Norton is resource hog.

Thanks for the advice. I'm glad I didn't open it because now I can just return it.

Here's another question: How do they make money if they give the software away

[LiberalUprising]

5. They also have a pay version,

depends whether you want or need the extras

Are you interested in 24/7 technical support and guaranteed faster downloads? Buy AVG Professional - two year subscription for only $33.30!

http://free.grisoft.com/doc/1

Many freeware programs don't remain free after they gain a following.

"StartUp Cop" is an example, they started out as free for several years, now it is available as a piad program only. Alot of times it's a promotional gimmick.

[RagingInMiami]

6. But does it offer better protection?

I want to make it as difficult as possible for someone to be able to hack into my computer. I work on a laptop with a wireless remote, which makes it easier for people to get into my computer.

[ConsAreLiars]

7. I've found AVG completely reliable.

It also scans incoming email on Thunderbird (and Outlook presumably). Couple it with a decent firewall like Sygate and something like SpybotS&D and you should be in good shape. There are a few more specialized security programs worth having (like Peer Guardian if you use p2p sharing software), but AVG is updated almost daily (you can set it to do this automatically) and highly regarded. Another one to use is Anti-Vir, which has found a trojan locked inside a zip file that is hidden somewhere on my computer (probably a hidden backup directory which I cannot convince XP to show - no threat since I can't even find it to click), so running a couple of these anti-virus programs is probably a good idea. But the best thing is to cover all three threats via a combination of anti-virus, anti-spyware and firewall software.

To test your firewall and immunity to attacks, go to http://www.grc.com/default.htm and hit the "ShieldsUP!" link.

[RagingInMiami]

10. Thanks

This is a great group. First time I posted here and I already got several good responses.

[hobbit709]

8. Rule number 1

Don't use Outlook or IE. That eliminates most problems right there. Any decent firewall, antivirus and spyware blocker added to that along with a little common sense in downloading takes care of the rest.

[RagingInMiami]

9. So what do I use?

Netscape? How do I even get that? I've been using IE for years.

[LiberalUprising]

12. Firefox or Mozilla

Download for free below

http://www.mozilla.org/products/firefox/

Mozilla has an email client with it, firefox is a stripped down version of Mozilla that you can customize with extensions.

I use both, haven't used IE for several years

[cleofus1]

11. i hate it...

it came bundled in with my computer...i have to turn it off half the time just so i can access websites and or run certain types of software...when my subscription runs out i will dump it...

[hobbit709]

13. dump it now

your subscription is for the service, not the browser.

[cleofus1]

14. i hate it!

but i'm a cheap ass tightwad....and since i paid for the years subscription...but you're right...damnit...i should delete it now and cut my losses...

[Berserker]

15. How to uninstall this piece of garbage

go here....http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2005033108162039?Open&src=&docid=2001092114452606&nsf=nav.nsf&view=docid&dtype=∏=&ver=&osv=&osv_lvl=

[Crazy Guggenheim]

16. I have on mine NAV 2005. It's better than the previous versions.

Also I had it configured to where it does slow down my system at all. However when booting up to the Desktop myself and not a few of my clients have had slow boots right after sign in until the desktop appears. If you have this issue try this. In your Control Panel click on Administrative Tools - Computer Management - Services and Applications - Services

Then set to Automatic BITS and Cryptographic Services and start/restart both of them.