Norton 2009, McAfee, AVG, or None of the Above

soonertiger2012 · May 29, 2009

I am having to do a recovery of Windows Vista due to an apparent virus/malware attack. After I recover, I want to have really strong antivirus/anti malware protection. According to CNET, Norton AV 2009 had really good reviews. As far as McAfee, my old Dell Computer with Windows XP has it and has never had a problem with malware, though it seems to slow down the computer a little bit. Then again, it has only 1 GB of RAM and a 64 MB graphics card (it's six years old). I had AVG for a short time before my system crashed, but also saw that the free AVG does not provide protection from rootkits and does not contain a firewall (which the upgraded version does). Here is what I am looking for:

1. Powerful, very reliable protection from viruses, rootkits, hacking, and any form of malware.
2. Something compatible with Windows Vista Home Premium. I say this because I experienced problems with Symantec products on Windows Vista and knew people who also experienced problems. As I said earlier, Norton 2009 had good reviews, so just wondering about it.
3. Not to expensive. I am willing to spend money, but I can't afford to go overboard.
4. Does not hog system resources. I have a pretty strong system (i.e. 3 GB RAM, 2.4 GHz dual core processor, and 256 MB graphics card), but don't want my resources to be used up as I do some gaming.

I am leaning towards Norton AV 2009, McAfee AV, or AVG (upgraded). Any advise is greatly appreciated and if you would like to recommend something other than these three, I'm all ears.

P.S. I hope this doesn't get posted twice. I couldn't find it after I submitted it the first time.

soonertiger2012 · May 29, 2009

Quick reply to my own post. A review of Norton Internet Security 2009 on PCMag's website gave Norton excellent reviews. The only concern I have is compatibility issues with Windows Vista Home Premium. I say this because I used to have Symantec Antivirus Enterprise (given to be through the university I attend) and it gave me BSOD after running Windows updates. I confirmed this by doing a clean boot and discovered that when I activated the Symantec services, I got the BSOD. Any links to possible compatibility issues would be greatly appreciated.

Article from PCMag: The Best Security Suites for 2009 - Norton Internet Security 2009 - At A Glance - Reviews by PC Magazine

Martee · May 31, 2009

Hello Soonertiger,

I would recommend the McAfee, that's because I use it on my all three notebooks. I'm sure someone else may suggests the other AV, perhaps much better one.

I have been using the McAfee Internet Security for almost four years now. Recently, I switched to the Total Security Suite.

Answering your question how much resources does it use? Guess, not much and even I can't tell when Mcafee is performing his full schedule scan on my computers unless the fans start spinning faster. That's the only indication that something is going on in the background.
You can check more about the McAfee here.
Hope that's help...cheers...

ColColt · May 31, 2009

I wouldn't have Norton on my system if they gave it away. I had NIS on XP for several years and it was nothing but problems and the biggest resource hog I ever had on a computer. Once you try to uninstall it, it still leaves behind a lot of files in the registry. You never really delete all aspects of having installed it.

I have McAfee on Vista because it came free for 15 months. After that, I'll probably just use the built in firewall and with a Linksys router, WinPatrol, Spybot, SpywareBlaster, and Spyware Guard, I feel pretty swell covered. BoClean was another good one but I think they went belly up not long ago.

Gibson Research has a couple of neat programs for testing your system for open ports, trojkans, etc. Scroll down about half way and you'll see "Shields Up" and "Leak Test". do both and you'll see where you're at security wise.

GRC*|*Gibson Research Corporation Home Page**

ColColt · May 31, 2009

This is what you want to see in the GRC test I mentioned above-totally stealthed on all ports.

Martee · May 31, 2009

Hello ColColt,

My all notebooks are from Gateway, the reason I mention that is that the first one came with McAfee preinstalled by Gateway, the last two came with Norton Security 2008. I agree with you the Norton leaves a lot of files after uninstalling it. On both my laptops the solution to get rid of Norton forever was to clean install of Vista on the drive.

I used the Norton for about week and indeed it uses a lot of resources. Now I wonder how will look and perform the free AV from Microsoft which will replace the current Live OneCare.

Cheers...

ColColt · May 31, 2009

I tried going into the registry to delete anything that had anything to do with Symantec. If it had Norton in the file name or Symantec it got deleted. I soon found it was an endless task and abandoned the idea since I don't think it hurt anything anyway. However, you can bet no Symantec product will be downladed on this new computer!

Once McAfee runs out for me I'll probably use avast antivirus since it's done me well with the other XP computer. I rely heavily on my router and often I think I could do without a firewall just having it, but; you still need a good AV software installed to compliment it.

Martee · May 31, 2009

Yeah, I was hunting these files also, it was useless. I reckon the one file was so hard to delete I decided to kill it by reformating the drive.

As to the firewalls I use one in the router the same as you do and the second one supplied by McAfee. Don't like the Avast, it looks like media player. :confused:

Btw, As the supplement to system security I allow to full scan my machines by the Clean Up Center - Windows Live OneCare safety scanner from time to time. It does good job.

Cheers...

K1K1D33 · Jun 1, 2009

ColColt said:
I tried going into the registry to delete anything that had anything to do with Symantec. If it had Norton in the file name or Symantec it got deleted. I soon found it was an endless task and abandoned the idea since I don't think it hurt anything anyway. However, you can bet no Symantec product will be downladed on this new computer!

Once McAfee runs out for me I'll probably use avast antivirus since it's done me well with the other XP computer. I rely heavily on my router and often I think I could do without a firewall just having it, but; you still need a good AV software installed to compliment it.

hello:
---I use Avast a/v now and I love it---some ppl. suggest Avira also---then there is Comodo which has various uses, firewall, anti-malware, etc. - please lookie here--->Free Firewall Protection Software AntiVirus Buffer Overflow Attack Computer Security Free Personal Firewall---
---please post your results---thank you---

peace

rive0108 · Jun 2, 2009

Hmm
first, Mcafee with Artemis has been certified Advanced+, without it, it only recieves standard certification.

So my answer would be Symantec Norton 2009, or none of the above.

Norton 2009 is good, but has poor heuristic detection abilities

They are both better than AVG though (standard cert). The funny thing is if you want a AV that outperforms both Mcafee (without Artemis), and AVG, go with the free Avast! or Avira Antivir; both are Advanced certified.

As for the firewall leak test I can ace that with Vista firewall/and a hardware firewall- there really is no need for a "security" package, and if you dont feel like configuring it yourself, try the Sphinx free firewall control. See post #286 http://www.vistax64.com/system-security/139503-whats-best-antivirus-security-suite-29.html

for source, and more information regarding certification labs and testing, see:http://www.vistax64.com/system-security/139503-whats-best-antivirus-security-suite-28.html

11680d1239305029-vista-sp1-antivirus-performance-capture7.gif

patio furniture · Jun 2, 2009

ColColt said:
I wouldn't have Norton on my system if they gave it away. I had NIS on XP for several years and it was nothing but problems and the biggest resource hog I ever had on a computer. Once you try to uninstall it, it still leaves behind a lot of files in the registry. You never really delete all aspects of having installed it.

I could not agree more with you about Norton...the program is bloated and I find the same protection with AVG. I've felt quite protected with AVG and besides... its FREE!

Neverhavemoney · Jun 3, 2009

None,
"The best stuff comes free"

Like Rive said Avast! or Avira Antivir are great programs for FREEEEEE!!!!!! I used them for a while until i came across Comodo

I absolutly love them. They have updates 20-30times a day for their infection code packages. There firewall lets you be in control of everything on your computer. Its so nice to finally regain full control and only let what you want to happen, happen. I enjoy these so much!!!

I suggest this program to everyone i talk to. I also put it on everyones computer that i fix...

Ben

Blackhawk7188 · Jun 4, 2009

I must be the oddballl...I only use Windows Defender and Windows Firewall.

I had norton and AVG before and i discovered that I got infected with viruses that attacked the antivirus program itself...which is integrated into the system killing the system. Plus the resources being used were horrible and at times killed my bandwidth with their constant communication with home servers.

My windows defender uses almost no resources and safely runs in the background 24/7 constantly updating for me.

I have not had any issues at all with using windows defender. To avoid viruses...only download from trusted sites(torrents can usually be bad), and stay off unsecured networks(ur IP is easily available to be hacked).

Neverhavemoney · Jun 4, 2009

Blackhawk7188,
While windows defenders may seem to work fine, there could be many things that are wrong with your computer that you wont even see. It is so hidden, that if you do get infected, you will never know about it unless your computer crashes. So i would suggest you get a third party AV and maybe a firewall. Comodo is fantastic and has a GREAT Rep with me and everyone i install it for.

While AV's will never be able to FULLY protect you, they do a pretty good job for what they go up against every day.

Theres my $0.02,
Ben

Blackhawk7188 said:
I must be the oddballl...I only use Windows Defender and Windows Firewall.

I had norton and AVG before and i discovered that I got infected with viruses that attacked the antivirus program itself...which is integrated into the system killing the system. Plus the resources being used were horrible and at times killed my bandwidth with their constant communication with home servers.

My windows defender uses almost no resources and safely runs in the background 24/7 constantly updating for me.

I have not had any issues at all with using windows defender. To avoid viruses...only download from trusted sites(torrents can usually be bad), and stay off unsecured networks(ur IP is easily available to be hacked).

rive0108 · Jun 4, 2009

Blackhawk7188 said:
I must be the oddballl...I only use Windows Defender and Windows Firewall.

I had norton and AVG before and i discovered that I got infected with viruses that attacked the antivirus program itself...which is integrated into the system killing the system. Plus the resources being used were horrible and at times killed my bandwidth with their constant communication with home servers.

My windows defender uses almost no resources and safely runs in the background 24/7 constantly updating for me.

I have not had any issues at all with using windows defender. To avoid viruses...only download from trusted sites(torrents can usually be bad), and stay off unsecured networks(ur IP is easily available to be hacked).

Defender is not an antivirus, and "safe surfing" will not help you with drive-by-downloads, or clickjacking, or malicious software embedded in legiitimate sites or programs, nor with malicous tracking cookies, or your Familiy/friend's worm/trojan infected emails and links, etc.

Its not so much you, but the idea you may help to spread malware, and worms, and botnet attacks that hurt the rest of us, because you are naive when it comes to internet security.

Windows Defender detects and removes spyware

Windows Defender is software that helps protect your computer against pop-ups, slow performance, and security threats caused by spyware and other unwanted software by detecting and removing known spyware from your computer. Windows Defender features Real-Time Protection, a monitoring system that recommends actions against spyware when it's detected, minimizes interruptions, and helps you stay productive
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/winfamily/defender/default.mspx

K1K1D33 · Jun 4, 2009

Neverhavemoney said:
None,
"The best stuff comes free"

Like Rive said Avast! or Avira Antivir are great programs for FREEEEEE!!!!!! I used them for a while until i came across Comodo

I absolutly love them. They have updates 20-30times a day for their infection code packages. There firewall lets you be in control of everything on your computer. Its so nice to finally regain full control and only let what you want to happen, happen. I enjoy these so much!!!

I suggest this program to everyone i talk to. I also put it on everyones computer that i fix...

Ben

hello:

---sorry---I did try the Comodo product for a few days---and I do NOT like it at all because it has way toooooooooooo many pop-ups asking me if I allow the items to download, EVERY second again and again and again---grrrr---(I tend to download tons of small items)--it even froze my screen because it was conflicting with my Windows-defender-pop-up also---

---I now just use the plain and simple Windows-defender + firewall + Avast antivirus---

---(thank you for the recommendation about the Comodo - I may use it again in the future when I will not be downloading millions of items)---

peace

Neverhavemoney · Jun 5, 2009

I AM SICK OF EVERYONE BEING SO IGNORANT ABOUT MALWARE AND VIRUSES!!!
Its a real threat people, no one is safe. You could get hit at any time. Stop saying you are fine just because you "have never gotten a virus". You just dont know about it. You could ahev a keylogger, getting your every keystoke and mouse clickm stealing your info just because you were erragent. There goes your personal info, address, and zipcode, and banking info.
People, i dont want to rant, but you NNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEDDDDDDDDD protection. Windows is not enough. They have basic protection for the person who never is connnected to the internet. But if you go one daily, weekly, or even monthly, you need to be protected. Please people. There are so many programs you can get for free that will do the job just fine!!!! ASK HERE AND WE WILL HELP!

I am sorry for a rant here, i know its off topic, but i am just getting sick of people not being protected. Its so stupid!!!!

Thanks for reading lol,

Ben

rive0108 said:
Blackhawk7188 said:

I must be the oddballl...I only use Windows Defender and Windows Firewall.

I had norton and AVG before and i discovered that I got infected with viruses that attacked the antivirus program itself...which is integrated into the system killing the system. Plus the resources being used were horrible and at times killed my bandwidth with their constant communication with home servers.

My windows defender uses almost no resources and safely runs in the background 24/7 constantly updating for me.

I have not had any issues at all with using windows defender. To avoid viruses...only download from trusted sites(torrents can usually be bad), and stay off unsecured networks(ur IP is easily available to be hacked).

Click to expand...

Defender is not an antivirus, and "safe surfing" will not help you with drive-by-downloads, or clickjacking, or malicious software embedded in legiitimate sites or programs, nor with malicous tracking cookies, or your Familiy/friend's worm/trojan infected emails and links, etc.

Its not so much you, but the idea you may help to spread malware, and worms, and botnet attacks that hurt the rest of us, because you are naive when it comes to internet security.

Windows Defender detects and removes spyware

Windows Defender is software that helps protect your computer against pop-ups, slow performance, and security threats caused by spyware and other unwanted software by detecting and removing known spyware from your computer. Windows Defender features Real-Time Protection, a monitoring system that recommends actions against spyware when it's detected, minimizes interruptions, and helps you stay productive
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/winfamily/defender/default.mspx

dinesh · Jun 5, 2009

soonertiger2012 said:
I am having to do a recovery of Windows Vista due to an apparent virus/malware attack. After I recover, I want to have really strong antivirus/anti malware protection. According to CNET, Norton AV 2009 had really good reviews. As far as McAfee, my old Dell Computer with Windows XP has it and has never had a problem with malware, though it seems to slow down the computer a little bit. Then again, it has only 1 GB of RAM and a 64 MB graphics card (it's six years old). I had AVG for a short time before my system crashed, but also saw that the free AVG does not provide protection from rootkits and does not contain a firewall (which the upgraded version does). Here is what I am looking for:

1. Powerful, very reliable protection from viruses, rootkits, hacking, and any form of malware.
2. Something compatible with Windows Vista Home Premium. I say this because I experienced problems with Symantec products on Windows Vista and knew people who also experienced problems. As I said earlier, Norton 2009 had good reviews, so just wondering about it.
3. Not to expensive. I am willing to spend money, but I can't afford to go overboard.
4. Does not hog system resources. I have a pretty strong system (i.e. 3 GB RAM, 2.4 GHz dual core processor, and 256 MB graphics card), but don't want my resources to be used up as I do some gaming.

I am leaning towards Norton AV 2009, McAfee AV, or AVG (upgraded). Any advise is greatly appreciated and if you would like to recommend something other than these three, I'm all ears.

P.S. I hope this doesn't get posted twice. I couldn't find it after I submitted it the first time.

Go for Eset Smart Security.

Norton 2009, McAfee, AVG, or None of the Above

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