Looking for recommendation for anti-virus software
I have had a bad experience with Norton anti-virus and don't want to continue using it - I won't go into the details! I had already been thinking that Norton was slowing down my computer quite a bit.Could you please suggest one or two state-of-the-art (preferably) free anti-virus products that I might decide between?Best Regards,Conor Joyce1 person needs an answerI do too
September 6th, 2010 4:59pm

You could try to use Microsoft Security Essentials:http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/default.aspxIt is all Anti-Malware and Anti-Spyware solution and it is free. But before install it make sure you fully uninstall norton using norton removal tools.
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September 6th, 2010 6:08pm

"Cyber_Defend_Team" wrote in message news:Email removed for privacy...You could try to use Microsoft Security Essentials:http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/default.aspxIt is all Anti-Malware and Anti-Spyware solution and it is free. But before install it make sure you fully uninstall norton using norton removal tools.I have not used Microsoft Security Essentials, so I cannot comment on the merits (or otherwise) of this software.I have used Avast for several years. Avast is a free, non-Microsoft product with a good reputation - and I can confirm from personal experience that it has not slowed down either of my computers noticeably.If you install non-Microsoft AV software, it is preferable to perform a custom installation - and exclude any email scanning modules. Email scanning is an unnecessary feature, which may interfere with the proper operation of Outlook Express, Windows Live Mail, and other mail client programs.The free version of Avast antivirus does not include a firewall, so I recommend that if you opt for Avast, you should also install a separate firewall (to obtain superior protection from the basic firewall that comes with the later service packs of Windows XP). I use the free version of Zone Alarm."Cyber_Defend_Team" touched on one vitally important aspect of Norton removal, but did not offer detailed guidance.The Add/Remove function of the WinXP Control Panel does not remove Norton products cleanly. So before you attempt to remove Norton from your computer, you MUST download the removal tool from:http://www.symantec.com/norton/support/kb/web_view.jsp?wv_type=public_web&docurl=20080710133834EN&ln=en_USSave the removal tool to a location on your hard drive.Also, make sure you have replacement AV protection available on CD, USB pen drive - or on your hard drive.Disconnect from the Internet before you uninstall Norton (using Control Panel and Add / Remove programs)Next, run the Norton Removal toolEnable the Windows XP firewallFinally, install replacement AV software - plus an alternative firewall, before you reconnect to the Internet.Once you have installed an alternative firewall, you should turn off the Windows XP firewall.
September 7th, 2010 10:51am

Thank you, Bob, for thisVery helpful and very appreciated. Impatient as I am losing work-time, I had already - before the Cyber_Defence_Team reply above - uninstalled Norton and installed Avast.However, I did not download and use the Norton Removal Tool as you strongly recommend, using simply the Windows Control Panel 'remove program' function. I did not know about this tool.What should I do at this stage? Should I try to use the Norton Removal Tool now? Or reinstall Norton or what? I am losing so much time but obviously want to do the right thing even if that takes time!Thanks also for the firewall advice which I will follow but I will wait first to hear from you on the above.Best Regards,Conor J
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September 7th, 2010 12:50pm

"Conor Joyce" wrote in message news:Email removed for privacy...Thank you, Bob, for thisVery helpful and very appreciated.Impatient as I am losing work-time, I had already - before the Cyber_Defence_Team reply above - uninstalled Norton and installed Avast.However, I did not download and use the Norton Removal Tool as you strongly recommend, using simply the Windows Control Panel 'remove program' function. I did not know about this tool.What should I do at this stage? Should I try to use the Norton Removal Tool now? Or reinstall Norton or what? I am losing so much time but obviously want to do the right thing even if that takes time!Thanks also for the firewall advice which I will follow but I will wait first to hear from you on the above.Best Regards,Conor JDon't despair. The solution won't take too long - and you'll be pleased to know that you won't need to reinstall Norton.If you have not done so already, download the Norton Removal Tool.Then, disconnect from the Internet.Uninstall Avast (via Control Panel / Add Remove Programs)Run the Norton Removal Tool.Reinstall the free version of Avast (as per my previous instructions)Connect to the Internet - and register your copy of Avast on their Avast website.Bingo. Everything should be OK.With regard to the firewall, the Windows XP firewall is better than nothing. However, Zone Alarm does a better job because in addition to monitoring of incoming connections, it also monitors outgoing access to the Internet. This allows you to decide which programs are allowed to connect to the Internet. Then, Zone Alarm will warn you and seek your permission, before it allows new, changed or unknown programs to connect to the Internet.
September 7th, 2010 6:32pm

Thank you very much for this, Bob. Conor
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September 7th, 2010 11:04pm

Also when you uninstall Norton , you would have two options one complete uninstall and another one normal uninstall. Normal uninstall of Norton would remain some components but full uninstall would remove everything. In complete uninstall your system would be fine but running clean up tools will assure you that everything been removed.
September 8th, 2010 9:54am

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