We write a lot about this subject because we continue to see friends and family members trying to help their parents, neighbors, siblings, etc with their computer security by buying Norton security products. We have proved over and over that Norton products don't protect as well as our current recommendations of AVG or Avast Antivirus, plus they slow down computer systems tremendously and in some cases lock them up so they aren't usable.
So, PLEASE do not buy Norton products for yourself and help your tech buddies and families by recommending that they not pollute their systems with these inferior products either.
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HelpMeRick.com started as a monthly tip site for beginners in 1996, and now supports our popular call-in computer show, and hosts thousands of useful computer tips and links.
I also read a while back that Norton releases viruses themselves to keep the industry going. This also kills competition since they are the only ones who would have the “fixes” for these mini-viruses.
Kind of like the drug/health industry. Don’t pretend it isn’t fucking happening… why are doctors prescribing pills left and right?
They’ve been trained to do so. Btw I remember AVG back in 05… so clean. Now that they’re getting big and getting a name for themselves they are slowly treading towards slight bloatwareism themselves in the PRO versions.
I’m still one of those guys who believe everyone is good and think that if Norton was truly releasing their own viruses, it would get exposed at some point. Heck, you can’t even have a fun little bubble boy trick without it being spread all over the news…and Twitter.
Re: AVG becoming bloatware like Norton and McAfee, I was just thinking about that the other day. When I first started downloading it, it was around 15-18mb…now it’s pushing 80mb!!
Re: the health industry, I agree with you. Part of it is training, part of it is laziness, part of it is not wanting to be sued, and the other part is people wanting immediate satisfaction. Good comments, thanks!
Hi Guys, I haven’t used Norton since 2003 after a bad experience with Norton Works. Somehow, someway, Norton failed and crashed a laptop that was fairly new. I went to McAfee since my ISP, Comcast offered it free. Another bad antivirus program is Windows Live One Care. I tried it free for 90 days and was disappointed with the lack of quality in their product and their lack of service or help with their product.
I have tried AVG and found that it felt like avg took over my computer. Now, I am no expert on a computer, I am a 40 year old woman, who through pressure from my step children, and lawyer decided that a computer would be an excellent investment.
My computer came with McFee and I did not enjoy the fact that once infected, it would not find and delete the virus or trojan, niether did avg, so I am going to try the Avast that you speak of maybe it will help.
Marcie Wolfe
Among other things one of my work requirements is to install and activate satellite internet systems for our customers. I have AVG on both of my home computers and have not had a virus (..etc.) period. I recommend AVG to my customers as well since I have used the product, believe it does what it is supposed to and (best of all) it is free.
You guys are ‘right on’ to recommend this product to your readers and listeners. Keep up the good work.
Joe W.
jw@gjgraphics.com
Now that I have purchased Norton for an extended term, at no small cost I might add, how do I:
1. Get rid of it?
2. When do I do it?
3. How do I get and install one of the programs you suggest.