Time to upgrade Antivirus

[Roy]

Time to upgrade my antivirus software. I've been using Norton for the last several years and I think it's done the job. I'm using the 2004 version. I can upgrade for $40 or renew my subscription for $30. Is there something better I should take a look at and give a try?

What are you using and are you happy with it?

[TxKent]

Speaking as an IT security professional, I have to give thumbs-up to NOD32 from ESET, and KAV from Kaspersky Labs.

http://www.nod32.com/
http://www.kaspersky.com/

That being said, I run AVG on my computers at home - because it's free. Where I work, we run Symantec AV, and I cannot comment on it's effectiveness. I created an alternative data stream file the other day (Hiding a file within a file) and included the EICAR AV test string in the hidden file. Scanned it with Symantec, and it didn't find anything. I had to open the ADS stream file to have Symantec see the "virus." I have not tested this with either NOD32 or KAV, or AVG, but it's on my list of things to do.

Link to free AVG: http://www.download.com/AVG-Anti-Vir...-10320142.html

[janetg]

i have used nod as well - great program...

norton clogs your system - there are other programs available just as reliable

[rphoto]

I use AGV also because it's free. It has worked great for me and keep me safe.

[Detonate]

I've been using this Panda Software suite for the past few years.
http://www.pandasoftware.com/

I've been real happy with it. No muss, no fuss. It handles viruses, spyware, adware, spam, phishing, etc...

It keeps itself up to date, doesn't hog system resources.

[Sonny]

OH BOY...you're gonna open up a hell storm. Asking about antivirus programs is as bad as asking people about politics, religion, & their cell phone providers!

I like to use AVG Anti-Virus. After Norton 2003 I switch to AVG. Norton had too many software app conflicts for me to deal with. In the end Norton became more of a nuisance. AVG use less system resources and seems to do a better overall job than Norton did. I'm sure they'll be plenty of disagreements!

Althought I'm thinking about trying EZ Antivirus.

[Rahb]

I'm another AVG user. Can't beat the price lol. Not to mention it is just as reliable as Norton or Mcafee

[Ray]

AVG here, altho it's actin a little screwy at the moment.

[Florian]

Another vote for NOD32. Great programm, small footprint, and gets new definitions about twice daily.

[Cope]

with zero problems. I ran their free version for a couple of weeks and swithced to the paid version. You didn't ask about a firewall, but I switched to Kerio from Zone Alarm after being a happy ZA camper for 6 years. Zone Alarm went out in left field like Norton with all their suites.

[Roy]

Thanks for the information. I'll check those out. I had heard of AVG but that was all.

Does anyone know if I need to uninstall Norton before I install the new one? Can I have two antivirus programs running at the same time? My current subscription runs out on the 17th so I need to decide and make the change soon. My computer has always been real slow to boot up and sometimes it bogs down on spooling to a printer. I've wondered if Norton had anything to do with that.

[Florian]

Norton is known to slow things down, so could be that this is what you are seeing.
It is NOT a good idea to install two antivirus programs.


Florian

[Steelsun]

Also an AVG user.

[Wes]

I've been in IT for 25 years. Never had problems with Norton. If you choose to stay with the Symantec product I wouldn't pay $40 to upgrade your existing product. I'd go to Sam's and pay $37 to buy NAV 2006.

I've heard good things about AVG, although I've never tried it. Never heard much good about McAfee.

[Dennis_H]

I use AVG on my computers and Norton on the kids. I only use Norton because of the parental filters. Otherwise, it's a royal pain. AVG all the way.

Dennis_H