AV program?

[Noreen]

My NAV 2005 subscription expires next month and I'm not sure what to do next. I've checked various AV comparison or review sites and get different recommendations from them. Cost is not really an issue, I  want a very efficient but fairly easy to use product, I've been thinking of either getting the latest NAV or Kaspersky 7, both did well on this site http://www.av-comparatives.org/ . Advice please.

[Rik]

For pure AV, Noreen, I would recommend NOD32 - www.eset.com.

Remember to d/l the removal tool from the Symantec site to get rid of the Norton, though, it's a very messy process I'm afraid.




Edit: typo

[Gary]

I would recommend kaspersky 7 myself but in all seriousness though both are great AV's and each has its quirks and benefits but they work very well although kaspersky has better spyware protection when scanning for malware it is on par with spysweeper for finding nasties but I'm not biased as I used to have NOD and liked that as well, try which ever one you want, but do follow the instructions Rik posted and use the removal tool and after maybe do a search for Symantec on your system after as some folders can get left behind, as Rik said removing it is a pain to say the least but what ever one you choose will be lighter on your system and you will notice the difference in your systems responsiveness.

[Noreen]

I've also asked this question elsewhere and the results so far are that both NOD32 and Kaspersky are recommended twice also I'm told to NOT get NAV under any circumstances. Anyone got a link to the NAV removal tool, in case I need it?

[Gary]

http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2005033108162039

[Rik]

Hi Noreen

The removal tool is here:

http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2005103109480139

I recommend running a registry cleaner afterwards and, as Gary says, looking for legacy folders and filders - usually in C:\Program files\Symantec.

There's more reading here:

http://www.askdavetaylor.com/how_to_fully_remove_norton_from_pc.html

[Gary]

  we both posted the removal tool Rik. Here is a link to a review on Kaspersky 7 Noreen, so you can have a look, but as I said both are good so you can't go wrong and both uninstall cleanly as well.
http://review.zdnet.com/internet-security-firewall/kaspersky-anti-virus-7/4505-3667_16-32531226.html

[Lance]

Another NOD recommendation from me.

Last week I recommended NOD to one of my colleagues at work as their NAV was coming to an end and they can't believe how much better it is!

I've never used Kaspersky, so can't comment on that!

[mrapoc]

Nod32 is definately my favourite. Theres the new version scanner coming out very soon (v3.0) which will be a lot more efficient at scanning etc. with a newly build gui interface (build ground up not added on). There is also a security suite (availiable cheaper for current nod32 license holders) which should be out soon that features a firewall, anti spam and antimalware..i think.

Heres the forum for both. They are currently release candidates

Security suite


AV only

[Simon]

Just a personal view, but I have been using F-Secure Internet Security for a couple of years now, and I find it to be very good.  There is also a stand alone AV product, and both are good value, as the licence is for up to 3 machines.

Anti-Virus

Security Suite

[Noreen]

Well, whatever I decide, NAV is for the chop.

[Rik]

With that and your move to IDNet, Noreen, that's two great decisions you've made.

[Noreen]

Have read in an online review for NOD32 that it isn't all that easy to use, what do you think bearing in mind that you're much more "expert" than I am?

[Rik]

It's a doddle to use, Noreen, but some people find it hard to set up. I didn't, but then I've been kicking bits and bytes around for a long time now. There's a great setup guide here:

http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=131758

It may look a bit complicated, but you only do it once, and it's really just a case of working through the boxes.

[Gary]

The NOD forum at wilders is a great place for help and pretty friendly as well. The forum for kaspersky is equally informative and helpful. http://forum.kaspersky.com/
Since both have a thirty day trial period you could try them both out and see what fits best which really is the only way to see what will suit your needs and your machine at the end of the day

[mrapoc]

Its actually quite simple to set up. You could even set it up with a few clicks following the guide for "Blackspear's settings in no time" but keep in mind...the new nod32/ess coming out shortly (check out the rc1 links i gave you) are gui based...making them possibly easier than norton!

[Noreen]

Do you know when the new version is coming out? My NAV subscription runs out in the middle of next month so I've got to do something before that.

[Rik]

I haven't seen a release date, Noreen, but I'm sure there will be an upgrade path with probably a free upgrade for people purchasing recently.

[Noreen]

I've been looking at their site and am a bit confused. Is the program only available via download?

You may remember that I'm considering getting a new laptop but I may not have done that before the middle of next month when my existing AV subscription expires. Would installing a new AV program on my existing laptop before then and then removing it and re-installing it on a new laptop cause any problems?

[Rik]

NOD is only available as a download, Noreen, and you'll have no problems moving it between machines, you will be given a username and password to access the updates server, and you just re-enter that on the new machine. They also do deals for multiple machines and, istr, Lance was able to get a special price from them.

[Lance]

The special deal I got was 50% off as I am a student - have you got a young relative that could purchase it for your machine? 

To prove my eligibility, I just had to scan and email an image of my NUS card to them.

[Noreen]

Thanks Lance, I haven't got a young relative who is a student at the moment, they're either older or younger. However as I would only be using it on one machine I'm not too bothered about the cost.

[john]

Hi Noreen, I have to admit to not knowing about Nod32 but with a bit of surfing on the net it seems to be highly recommended. I'm currently using the free version of Avast together with some remaining functionality of McAffee which was pre-installed on my laptop. I've not had any problems so far but there does seem to be a performance overhead which I suspect is caused by McAffee more so than Avast.

If I was going to pay for AV software then Nod32 seems to be the way to go. I also found this site http://www.wilderssecurity.com/archive/index.php/t-71484.html which although it doesn't recommend using two AV's says that Nod32 and Avast on the same machine are compatible.

[Rik]

I'm not too bothered about the cost.

You can save some money by going for a 2 or 3-year sub, Noreen.

[Noreen]

You may be interested to know that on the other computer forum that I mentioned (international but mainly American) there were 12 posts in favour of NOD32 and 2 in favour of Kaspersky, none in favour of NAV. 

[Rik]

I'm not surprised that there were no votes for NAV, Noreen, though that's not what you'd hear in PC World. When I was a sysop on Compuserve, we were given free copies of Dr Solomon's, NAV and McAfee. Back then it was all scan on demand, and most of us would have recommended any of the programs. However, once Symantec really got their teeth into Norton, I abandoned most of their output.

I've used most AV over the years, and I do rate NOD as one of the very best - I suspect you will notice the performance improvement on your machine if you make the change.

[Noreen]

Rik, I have what might seem a silly question but I'd like to be reassured on this. Assuming that I'd already downloaded but not yet installed the NOD32 program, do I need to disconnect from my router during the period in which I'm removing the NAV program. In other words is it safe to be connected to the router and for a (hopefully) short period be without an AV program? 

[Rik]

It's safe if nothing is communicating with the web, Noreen, so close your email client and browser. The first thing NOD does is look to update, so you really want the connection live.

[Gary]

I'm not surprised that there were no votes for NAV, Noreen, though that's not what you'd hear in PC World. When I was a sysop on Compuserve, we were given free copies of Dr Solomon's, NAV and McAfee. Back then it was all scan on demand, and most of us would have recommended any of the programs. However, once Symantec really got their teeth into Norton, I abandoned most of their output.

I've used most AV over the years, and I do rate NOD as one of the very best - I suspect you will notice the performance improvement on your machine if you make the change.

Agreed, when I dropped Norton on a previous machine I noticed the difference straight away, NOD was very light indeed, I had the luxury of installing windows on this machine myself and even though in the last av comparatives Symantec beat NOD and Kaspersky for detection its a beast and just takes over your computer and is not worth touching  .

[Noreen]

Just purchased NOD32 and downloaded it  Now got to get my courage up to remove NAV and install the new program. 

[Rik]

It's messy but straightforward, Noreen. More annoying than difficult, if you know what I mean. Set a system restore before you start, and make an Acronis backup, just to be on the safe side.

[Noreen]

All done. I've run an in depth scan which came up clear and have also checked that the email scanner is working. I took the easy way out and used the NAV tool for the removal and just set NOD32 for typical settings. I'll go through the "advanced settings" later. I had a fright with SpyBot which had a fit with all the changes, I hadn't disabled it (actually I'm sure that you can). Anyway all seems to be well now so thanks to all for your help.   

[Rik]

Glad you're sorted, Noreen. Do check for any residual Symantec folders in C:\Program Files.

Welcome to Noddy land.

[Simon]

I would be interested in testing the NOD suite, when the final version is out.  The beta had too many bugs for my liking.

[mrapoc]

Its on release candidate now which is pretty much as close to release as possible. There doesnt seem to be any major bugs - its pretty good for those without a nod32 license

[Simon]

Mmm...  I'll give it a go when I've half a mind to.  Switching suites isn't a favourite pastime of mine,  I need to be in the mood for all the fiddling about.   

[Gary]

Its on release candidate now which is pretty much as close to release as possible. There doesnt seem to be any major bugs - its pretty good for those without a nod32 license

I want to see some figures for the new version of NOD and ESS from AV comparatives and around the net first, even though wilders is a great place like any site dedicated to a product you will get a biased view, performance in the field is what counts, until then I'll stick with what I have, but I'm  always open to a change as a former NOD user anyway, and in 3mths when my Kaspersky licence is up for renewal and its time for a reinstall of windows, then the time will be right 

[Simon]

Downloaded and now testing the suite on my laptop.  You need to take some time to work through the advanced options, but it seems OK.  Not much different to F-Secure, really.

[Noreen]

I need some help with NOD32. I blindly followed the instructions in the "extra settings" post and the program is now scheduled to do a weekly scan. However on reflection I'd like to have the program set up to do NO automated scheduled drive scans, leaving me to do manual scans at a time that's convenient to me. That's how I had my previous NAV set up.

Can I achieve that, if so, how? Simple instructions please. 

[Rik]

Hi Noreen

Click on the system tray icon, then click on NOD32 System tools, then Scheduler/Planner. You should find your weekly scan there, highlight it and hit the delete button.

[Gary]

One thing I found with blackspears settings Rik when I had nod was it took away my control over the av, I came home and there had been a false positive as happens with any av from time to time and on fully auto when I fired up a program (works calender) it quarantined part of the program causing some minor chaos, just setting Imon (if I remember rightly) to block inbound http nasties is a good thing so you don't have to answer yay or nay but the rest I like control over.

[Rik]

I always use Blackspear's settings with Rik's over-rides.

[Gary]

I always use Blackspear's settings with Rik's over-rides.

[Noreen]

Thanks, I've followed both Rik's and Gary's advice. I presume that you really meant Amon in your post Gary, I've now set it to ask as the computer is not left unattended.

[Gary]

Thanks, I've followed both Rik's and Gary's advice. I presume that you really meant Amon in your post Gary, I've now set it to ask as the computer is not left unattended.

Definitely Imon Noreen as its the internet monitor, there is a setting to show a warning or automatically deny download of files, its under under actions in Imon.  http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=37509&page=3
third picture down Noreen

[Noreen]

Thanks Gary, so what did you set Amon to do under "Actions"?

[Gary]

Thanks Gary, so what did you set Amon to do under "Actions"?

Prohibit access and show alert window with action options Noreen