Computer virus control?

[Gary O]

The folks that are trying to clean up my computer are also trying to sell me thier virus utility. They say that the Norton controls I now run are degrading my system everytime I use it. What say you? Thanks...

[Creampuff]

I haven't used Norton nor Mcafee in ages. They tend to bog down my system resources when I did use them. Are you using one the those Internet security suites, or just an antivirus? I could never really understand why there is a use for a software firewall. Antivirus, anti malware, yes I understand, but software firewall, I don't get.

I am a big fan of Kaspersky. What are they trying to sell you?

[Coded-Dude]

dont buy.......get a decent free utility(avast/avg/microsoft security essentials/etc.)

[CasperSYTFU]

+1 for AVG and Kaspersky

[Merc1138]

Well they're definitely right about norton(and mcafee is just as bad), and in some instances cause more problems than they're supposed to solve(they've been nothing but trash bloatware for years).

AVG... it's nowhere near as bad as mcafee and norton, but it's getting there with regards to bloat vs. usefulness.

[stilly]

AVG sucks.

Look in the task manager and there are like 7+ avg items running. I USED to like AVG but for the past 3 years have been put off by them. I run avast now but Avast is starting to piss me off too. It is becoming bloatware and disruptive to my downloads. I noticed that it makes my downloading spike because it feels that the shields have to inspect EVERY little thing that comes through the line. WRONG. Avira was decent last I looked but as for paying for AV, we all have likes and dislikes obviously, I fail to see how a program degrades your comp every time it is run. THAT line is BS. Tell the Geek Squad no thank you and if you HAVE to buy something, maybe have a look at ESET Nod32 (my pick). But really, you can do the free stuff and prolly be just as safe.

Another thing that will help you would be to get an MVP host file...

**EDIT-

Avast also tries a lot harder to get you to spend your money AND if you are gonna continue to use their FREE version, they are trying harder and harder to get you to click-install crap on your computer such as browser bars and other **** you do not need. When I see crap like that it irritates me to the point of dropping them and go elsewhere. AND I would have had they not had their international talk like a pirate day on (sept 19th was it?)

[tanakasan]

Norton WAS good years ago, then it became bloated and a resource hog.

Try Avast free version, good coverage and great price! Nod32 if you want better, but for a small price.

Robert

[the86d]

Norton WAS good years ago, then it became bloated and a resource hog.

Try Avast free version, good coverage and great price! ...

^This!^

[nanoc]

The folks that are trying to clean up my computer are also trying to sell me thier virus utility. They say that the Norton controls I now run are degrading my system everytime I use it. What say you? Thanks...

Norton is pretty bloated but if you have a new or semi new computer it shouldn't be a problem. Many years ago I tried Kaspersky and have never looked back. If you don't want to spend any money there are at least 3 highly rated free anti virus software makers out there.

[Montu]

Norton WAS good years ago, then it became bloated and a resource hog.

Try Avast free version, good coverage and great price! Nod32 if you want better, but for a small price.

Robert

wait what...I tend to think the opposite..it was just bloated not long ago but recently has become much better.

Not that I use it..just sayin

[exklusve]

Run firefox or chrome and install things like ad block plus, ghostery, etc.
I haven't ran AV at home in about 10 years without any issues. Getting spyware and virii are done by doing dumb things. Like signing up for that free ipod advert, or installing a 'free' codec to watch tv shows on some Chinese web site.

Most computer repair shops will try and sell you anything they can. Plenty of free ways to protect your computer!

Source: IT Pro for almost 15 years.

Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk

[Lancear15]

If you are getting viruses it is because you don't know what you are doing. I also haven't used antivirus in over 10 years, not even the free ones.

Maximum PC, one of my favorite PC mags ranked Norton 360 the highest this year. I believe in their testing.

[Merc1138]

If you are getting viruses it is because you don't know what you are doing. I also haven't used antivirus in over 10 years, not even the free ones.

Maximum PC, one of my favorite PC mags ranked Norton 360 the highest this year. I believe in their testing.

LOL, so if you don't use anything, how would you know that you didn't have anything running? I see that argument out of people constantly, and it never makes any sense. Just because you know what you're doing and don't run executables off of usenet, click random links in emails, etc. does not mean you are somehow impervious to 0-day attacks, worms, or websites that have been compromised.

Also, Maximum PC? Really?

I'd also think the "IT Pro" would know better than that, but apparently not...

[Lancear15]

LOL, so if you don't use anything, how would you know that you didn't have anything running?

I haven't had any issues and I'm on the internet constantly... If I was so vulnerable don't you think I would have been impacted already?

[Merc1138]

I haven't had any issues and I'm on the internet constantly... If I was so vulnerable don't you think I would have been impacted already?

This isn't 1994 where almost every virus/worm/trojan does something just to make the user mad. You do know what a botnet is, right? Even a modern keylogger relies on hiding any suspect behavior to remain undetected and not alert the computer user to a possible compromise.