Jump to content

Alternatives To Norton


Craig
 Share

Recommended Posts

Okay, over the past few months i have encountered various problems with Norton.

I have Norton System Works 2003 installed on my computer along with Norton Internet Security 2003.

I dont think System Works is causing any problems, but i think the internet security is. I wont bother going into detail!

Can anyone recommend some alternatives to norton. I'm after a software brand that i can use to as an AV and Internet Security.

Thanks,

Craig.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I have Norton Sytem Works and Norton Personal firewall both 2003, on Windows XP, and have had them since January when the computer was built. Prior to that I had the 2000 versions on windows 98 for two or three years, never with any trouble. I am always mysified as to why an odd few should get problems.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Norton likes total control. I found it a resource hog of major proportions (Systemworks) and a failed install of Personal Firewall caused me a reformat. However, WinDoctor, part of Systemworks Utilities, is brilliant and I use it every day. Fortunately, you can run parts of Systemworks from the installation disc and never need naughty Norton on your machine. If anyone knows of an app. that does the same job as WinDoctor please point me and then I can remove all traces of Norton from my computer.

AVG free is my anti-virus and has never let me down yet. I use Outpost Pro firewall. after using Outpost free for about a year. For me to fork out for an upgrade speaks volumes of praise for Outpost free. The guys at the Pit have been slamming Norton for years and most users who dump it improve their machines performance.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Symantec Norton Anti-Virus has several draw backs, one which is self inflicted :)

It is more of a Marketing Product than a security product in my opinion. You just have to look at the boxes... "Stops Hackers" .. well let's see it stopping anyone when NIS is mis-configured ;)

Because of this marketing.. it's popular among newbies. The perfect target for viruses writers correct? (Apart from businesses). Well i've posted it somewhere here before, it is easy to avoid detection of a certain antivirus product by changing a few "bits and bytes" within the scanned section of the file.

This can be done with freeware hex-editors...

The software is also "bloated". It's a bugger to uninstall and takes alot of system resources.

Main thing about anti-virus software is being updated. When I see AVG not updaeing for two weeks... it shows that they are incompetent IMO.

Security is my specialised field.. I have a dark past but now I'm clean laughing

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Interesting, redhat. B) Realising that there will always be a 'gap' between new attack discoveries and updates I run SurfinGuard, which functions independently of any database. My only complaint with it is that if you forget to keep your sound volume low it can give you a seizure when the alarm goes off. I'd be interested in your 'professional' opinion. :)

http://www.sharewarejunkies.com/00zwd7/surfinguard.htm

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Good idea Craig. A configuration which the site could endorse and review. It would need a 'free' and a 'paid' version though, with perhaps a mix of both for the semi-poverty stricken. Perhaps redhat could try and hack it and provide reports. :D

Edit: Albeit judging by his homepage he's just as busy as everybody else. :D

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I may object to being "stuck". However, I think it's an excellent idea. At least then when people have queries there will be a body of "expert" knowledge that knows the package inside out.

On a lighter note I'm nearly at the shut off point for my Run Fund. The sooner it get's handed over and into the Trust Fund the better. There's only a couple of laggards left from here and 2 at home, One who's travelling a lot and the other who's lives in Spain but is coming to vist shortly. Sorry to highjack your thread craig, but you sort of raised the topic.

I've just started jogging this morning after a 3 week break due to other pressures. Only 4.25 miles at 9.7 mins/mile, but the next run will be round soon enough.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

:D Yes I'm a busy boi :lol:

SurfinGuard : Quite popular software. I've seen big companies such as A+L (Alliance and Leicester) use this software, and I'm guessing their network admins are educated.

Looks a nice piece of kit, I may install it, trial it for our WF friends :) I'm not on Windows a great deal but it does get used.

I'll run some tests if I get time B)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I know, why doesnt Windows Forum come up with its own internet security and Anti Virus package?!

I propose I stick doug on my PC, then he can chase away all things bad!

Sorry Craig you on drugs?

Anyone know C++ and all that? :lol:

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest nellie2

I use system mechanic for housecleaning and obviously spybot and adaware and spywareblaster for other security stuff.

The only thing I don't have is a good trojan hunter and splatter. :(

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest nellie2

I can live with manual updating.......... thanks mark!! I shall give that a go when I have my new build up and running and will post back on how to update it etc if it works ok.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

So how's this going to work. Will there be a panel of prominent experts to make the appropriate judgment or will it be based on the number of votes cast?

Dunno. There are numerous online security checks which I guess could be used for different firewalls, each of us entering our test results in a table ? As for a real-life virus test, tricky, unless we use the effective yet harmless Eicar test virus.

Eicar test file

I've used it, AVG Free detects it and will not let me recieve it nor send it by email. It might be out of date but I'm sure redhat will know.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

 Share

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue. Privacy Policy