Alternatives to Norton

stevenrw · Apr 30, 2009, 07:32:15

Hi everybody,
I'd like opinions please.
I've been using Norton Internet Security for a couple of years and its been running seamlessly (For Norton that is) and I have to say that the 2009 version was a big improvement over 2008.
However, its suddenly decided to stop working. It just will not load. I've done nothing, loaded nothing new etc.
I started going through the Symantec help and did a few of the things they recommend but to no avail, so I kicked the cat and went to bed in disgust.
I'll pick it up again tonight but it's obviously not going to give up without a fight, and I dunno whether I've got the stomach for a long protracted wrestling match with it.
So the question is - what do people use? Whats a good, relatively inexpensive security suite.
I seem to remember AVG was rated quite highly a while back but I had a recollection that it was no longer free and no longer as good as it had been.
Also, my Netgear DG834G (V3) router comes with a firewall - do I need a separate one?
Advice and recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Steve · Apr 30, 2009, 07:39:35

Since NIS2009 is supposed to be ok make sure you've got your product key and try using the Norton removal tool and reinstalling (that's if you've not tried already.)

talos · Apr 30, 2009, 07:43:44

I ditched Norton some time ago and tried a few of the free ones, the best IMO and still free is Avast, I would recommend it to anybody. AVG was good, but in my experience it now contain's too much bloatware. As for a firewall, I have a belkin router with built in fire wall, coupled with the Windows firewall and I think thats enough.

trophymick · Apr 30, 2009, 07:45:31

Quote from: stevenrw on Apr 30, 2009, 07:32:15
Hi everybody,
I'd like opinions please.
I kicked the cat and went to bed in disgust.
I'll pick it up again tonight but it's obviously not going to give up without a fight, and I dunno whether I've got the stomach for a long protracted wrestling match with it

I think you need the cat protection forum

Sorry!
I use Avast and Comodo. (free versions) I have had a couple of nasty experiences with Norton and Macafee, (SP?) so I gave up on them years ago

Gary · Apr 30, 2009, 08:00:47

Ditch Norton to be honest, the 2009 version started off with hope, and its been a pain to a few other than yourself. A lot depends on your machine and browsing habits, I personally like a software firewall and hardware one like your router so I can see what is trying t communicate with the outside world, but something like Eset NOD32 antivirus is a good bet, if you need a decent suite with anti spam etc, Kaspersky Internet security 2009 has a built in firewall with HIPS and antispam and banner blocking that's very good in my view, it now has a set it and leave it setting and it knows all your programs, but it can be a bit technical, once again it depends on your level of computer skills, F secure has always got good reviews but all with have some quirks, have a look on AV comparatives http://www.av-comparatives.org/ then look for the comparison of all the antivirus and security suites, then google them for reviews, try to go to the actual forums not the companies we are the best adverts but of course look up what the AV of internet suite offers, but remember you will see complaints everywhere, people rarely go on a forum for a AV product to say "its great just wanted t let you know" Personally I use Kaspersky 2009 and I have it set to update every 30 minutes, this works well for me. F secure, Avira, or the free Avast are all good Comodo is a good firewall but can be a pain to uninstall, that also may be sorted now.I believe you get what you pay for I would not personally use the windows software firewall as it lacks outbound protection, In Vista outbound protection can be turned on but is not really user friendly. If you do get a virus, seeing it trying to talk to the outside world is useful so you can stop it, and Windows firewall is not great on leak tests either. Free AV's generally lack HTTP scanning and a few other features, but this has improved in recent times. I am sure others will have their own ideas but use the Norton removal tool after uninstalling, as it leaves a lot of remnants, the tool can be downloaded from here http://service1.symantec.com/Support/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2005033108162039.

Remember most AV vendors let you trial software so use that and see what feels best along with what gets good detection ratings, IN AV comparatives there are two lots of detections one is on demand with signatures up to date one is with one month old, so I would look at both to see which has good heuristic detection along with signatures. Try not to install and uninstall to many as they all put hooks deeply into your system and you don't want to end up with what you decide you want in the end having issues.

I hope this helps. Good hunting

JB · Apr 30, 2009, 08:15:10

Another vote for Avast free home edition. Use it on all my computers, except the 'nix ones. Regular (daily) virus database updates and not a resource hog. You have to register Avast within thirty days but that is free and they don't spam you. Have used it for about four years now.

I did try Avira (also free) but found it used more computer resources and overall slowed things down slightly.

quandam · Apr 30, 2009, 08:18:15

Avast is great. Works a treat

Lance · Apr 30, 2009, 08:59:51

I personally use NOD32 (just the antivirus, not the suite) and find it works absolutely fine. It updates definitions as and when it needs to which can sometimes be several times a day. I don't see any need for a software firewall any more advanced than the one included within Windows.

I've also got experience of Avast as I've installed it on a couple of relatives' machines recently and from what I've seen for a freebie its quite good.

Rik · Apr 30, 2009, 09:10:37

Another NOD vote from me.

zappaDPJ · Apr 30, 2009, 09:11:47

Avira, Avast and NOD32 would all get my vote. I've found the free version of Avira to be particularly good if funding is an issue.

john · Apr 30, 2009, 12:55:08

I use Avast and found it to be very effective but don't know how it compares with the ones you pay for. It was recommended by the person in our department who used to manage the AV software. I work in IT and the general consensus of those that have expertise in AV is that they wouldn't let Norton anywhere near a PC.

Although you don't need a firewall, the recommended free one is Zone Alarm.

Rik · Apr 30, 2009, 12:56:39

Or Comodo.

Simon · Apr 30, 2009, 13:07:38

My recommendation would be F-Secure Internet Security. Unlike ESET users, I've never had a problem with updates or new versions, and, more to the point, not had a virus or any spyware since it's been installed. Reasonably priced, too.

Ray · Apr 30, 2009, 13:32:50

I use Eset Nod32 AV and Comodo firewall on my desktop machines, and F-secure AV on my Homeserver.

stevenrw · Apr 30, 2009, 14:22:17

Thanks everybody for taking the time to assist.
Looks like Avast or ESET.
I'm looking at this
http://avast.free4version.info/
as it gives the full package, but the bundled F/wall and other freebie stuff is unproven. I'll sidestep the freebies I think. You can never be sure what they are hiding.
The equivalent would be the ESet Smart security home edition.
Price really isn't the prime driver here but the Eset is about £39 and the Avast bundle with support is an awful lot cheaper.
Logic pulls me toward the cheaper as I don't see a big gain for the extra money with ESet, but again I'm open to views.
I will of course use the Norton uninstall tool, which they recommend running twice.

Rik · Apr 30, 2009, 14:28:18

I've just always felt that a paid for AV ought to be better supported, eg more frequent updates, so for such a mission critical app, I've opted to pay. I have no evidence to prove it's true, of course, just an instinct.

stevenrw · Apr 30, 2009, 15:00:06

I do hear what you say Rik, but the reviews seem to like Avast.
Agonising innit?

Rik · Apr 30, 2009, 15:03:51

It is, Steven, because every review seems to come to different conclusions. I don't think there's a right answer at the end of the day, though we'd all probably agree on certain AVs it's best to avoid.

zappaDPJ · Apr 30, 2009, 16:11:24

Quote from: Rik on Apr 30, 2009, 15:03:51
It is, Steven, because every review seems to come to different conclusions. I don't think there's a right answer at the end of the day, though we'd all probably agree on certain AVs it's best to avoid.

It is very noticeable that the reviews seem to be at odds with each other and slightly more alarming that they are often totally at odds with user experiences. Many reviewers favour Norton and Mcafee, one of which is a system hogging suit of mediocrity and the latter the most ineffective AV software I've personally come across. Yet both supposedly have the highest rate of detection when tested by profession reviewers? Incidentally both also have the highest rates of false positives.

User experience with AV software is everything in my book, if your AV is updating and your system remains virus free then the chances are you are using the right product.

Rik · Apr 30, 2009, 16:13:53

Quote from: zappaDPJ on Apr 30, 2009, 16:11:24
Many reviewers favour Norton and Mcafee, one of which is a system hogging suit of mediocrity and the latter the most ineffective AV software I've personally come across. Yet both supposedly have the highest rate of detection when tested by profession reviewers? Incidentally both also have the highest rates of false positives.

You forgot to mention the highest advertising budgets.

zappaDPJ · Apr 30, 2009, 16:25:20

Quote from: Rik on Apr 30, 2009, 16:13:53
You forgot to mention the highest advertising budgets.

I knew I'd forgotten somthing

Steve · Apr 30, 2009, 16:55:51

Norton 360v2 which is similar to NIS2009 came with my netbook so far I have persisted with it,its a pain in the proverbial when undergoing a significant update but otherwise I find it no more irritating than any other AV software suite on a Windows PC

Sebby · Apr 30, 2009, 17:22:03

I'd go for Kaspersky.

Gary · Apr 30, 2009, 17:24:28

Quote from: zappaDPJ on Apr 30, 2009, 16:11:24
It is very noticeable that the reviews seem to be at odds with each other and slightly more alarming that they are often totally at odds with user experiences. Many reviewers favour Norton and Mcafee, one of which is a system hogging suit of mediocrity and the latter the most ineffective AV software I've personally come across. Yet both supposedly have the highest rate of detection when tested by profession reviewers? Incidentally both also have the highest rates of false positives.

User experience with AV software is everything in my book, if your AV is updating and your system remains virus free then the chances are you are using the right product.

Not sure that Norton has the highest case of false positives, but anyway I would not use it, I'm happy with Kaspersky. To be honest what works on your system and you feel comfortable with out of the list given will be fine, and I think people forget that with all the malware around for windows based pc's "light" on resources may not always be as easy as it once was. Saying that on the two machines here Nod32 on one and Kaspersky 2009 on the other. Kaspersky saved my bacon the other week by blocking a malicious iframe on a forum, you just never know. Comodo is a great firewall but I have seen bad things about it no idea if they are fixed, I expect they are, I'm happy with Kasperskys HIPS system if you drill down its complicated but fun to get to know, so keeps me happy. I don't think there is a right or wrong answer here either, we all get snug with what we use and don't like change in that department when it comes to AV's but if the numbers slip I would change, its not about familiarity but safety after all.

And what Sebby said above

stevenrw · May 05, 2009, 08:40:26

As a closing note:
Thanks everybody for your input. If I've learned anything its that:
1 There is no clear single favorite
2 Norton does not figure in any list of candidates.

So, Norton's gone and I'm currently on a 30 day freebie with Eset (the full monty option). So far so good. Unless it all goes horribly wrong I'l likely sign up with them. I did agonise over the free options like Avast, but as you all pointed out, you get what you pay for and if a company is getting a regular revenue stream, in principle they should offer a better product.
Orange broadband are an obvious exception to this particular rule

Thanks again for the advice everybody.