AV program?

Noreen · Sep 22, 2007, 11:04:07

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 · Sep 22, 2007, 11:14:36

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 · Sep 22, 2007, 11:28:14

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 · Sep 22, 2007, 11:35:34

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 · Sep 22, 2007, 11:41:32

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

Rik · Sep 22, 2007, 11:41:51

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 · Sep 22, 2007, 11:44:41

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 · Sep 22, 2007, 11:48:31

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 · Sep 22, 2007, 11:52:00

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 · Sep 22, 2007, 11:58:38

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 · Sep 22, 2007, 12:00:36

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

Rik · Sep 22, 2007, 12:04:53

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

Noreen · Sep 22, 2007, 12:12:53

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 · Sep 22, 2007, 12:17:34

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 · Sep 22, 2007, 12:28:07

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 · Sep 22, 2007, 12:36:08

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 · Sep 22, 2007, 13:46:14

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 · Sep 22, 2007, 13:48:35

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 · Sep 22, 2007, 14:07:54

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 · Sep 22, 2007, 14:15:16

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 · Sep 22, 2007, 18:42:08

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 · Sep 22, 2007, 22:31:21

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 · Sep 22, 2007, 23:52:31

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 · Sep 23, 2007, 10:12:46

Quote from: Noreen on Sep 22, 2007, 22:31:21
I'm not too bothered about the cost.

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

Noreen · Sep 23, 2007, 10:58:14

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.