Question about Antivirus software & my current Norton software?
Warning: I’m a little slow on the tech-y side of things..
I’m really worried there’s something creeping around on my computer and want to download Avast since I’m surfing the internet unprotected right now. My only concern is that my computer’s already running an expired 90 day trial of "Norton Internet Security," and I read that it’s bad to have two antivirus programs running at the same time.
Do I need to just altogether delete Norton Internet Security and then download Avast + a spyware remover?
If I DO need to delete Norton, how do I do that? There’s no "uninstall" for it – do I just dump it in my recycling bin?
Also, please let me know which FREE Antivirus software and Spyware removal programs are the best.
I’m running on a Compaq Presario, XP Home edition.
me personaly, i would remove norton cuz its crap and like me now, instal AVG free and also SPYBOT SEARCH & DESTROY, both can be purchased free from download.com, also i found windows update offers a free download called WINDOWS DEFENDER, its realy good, i use them all rite now and as far as i know nothing get past them babys, youl be amazed at how many virus’s and trojans and malware these pick up and remove
First go to download.com and download AVG free edition and Adaware Free edition also. When asked to run or save select the save box. To remove Norton go to control panel and select Add or Remove Programs and then find the Norton software and select change/remove and when you see the uninstall program come up follow the instructions for removal.
Don’t fret.
Most attacks to your computer comes directly from the internet — from not having a firewall. Windows XP w/ Service Pack 2 has the Windows Firewall.
Use Control Panel –> Add/Remove Programs to remove all Norton (crap). If you have problems removing it (many do), then Symantec has a special web page & program to help remove their Norton (crap).
http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2005033108162039?Open&src=&docid=2004093015165236&nsf=tsgeninfo.nsf&view=docid&dtype=&prod=&ver=&osv=&osv_lvl=
After it’s removed, you probably need to reboot your computer. Then go back to Control Panel –. Windows Firewall to be sure it’s ON.
FYI, viruses usually come in through either email (Outlook/Express) or downloads. Spyware comes in by just browsing a website and displaying a web page.
Free spyware removal/prevention tools:
http://adviceonstuff.com/?p=4
Free antivirus detection/prevention tools:
http://adviceonstuff.com/?p=110
I personally swear by Spyware Blaster, Spyware Guard and AVG Antivirus.
P.S. Norton Internet (IN)Security is pure (crap). In tests, it slows down your computer 58%! In short, it turns your dual-core CPU into a single-core CPU, your P4 into a P3, etc. etc.