AV Software

[TEEB]

Here's a question for those more into security. It seems every year AV company's come out with new versions of their anti virus programs.

What is the difference between versions? Van a 3 year old version provide the same protection as a 2003 version? I'm thinking that as long as the definitions are updated regularly then what do you need a newer version for.

How close am I to the truth?

[Nuclear Krusader]

The scan engine is also modified and refined. That is why NAV 2003 is better at finding virii than NAV 5.0.

Plus, major incompatibilities with OSes and programs and security issues are fixed too.

[TEEB]

That sounds logical NK, but, Is it enough to justify buying a new AV program every year?

[Nuclear Krusader]

Not every year, IMO. But if your AV proggie is more than 2 or 3 years old then it's advisable to update it.

Me, I bought another copy of Panda since the cost of the updates renewal was almost the cost of the program itself!

[glc]

You have to judge that by engine improvements and support - right now any Norton older than 2001 is pretty much useless, for example. Before I would buy another year's subscription on 2001, I'd buy a new version but I'd renew 2002.

[TEEB]

Appreciate your help........

[Nuclear Krusader]

Also, Norton 2001 doesn't work with Windows XP.

[glc]

Correct - and no Norton newer than 2001 will work on Win95. If I had a 95 box I'd use AVG instead.

[mystvearn]

macafee is quite good.

[glc]

No, no, no, no - McAfee causes more problems than it fixes. They don't know how to write a program that doesn't destabilize an operating system.

I seem to remember that you have a few threads going about various problems and issues with your system - well, try this - uninstall McAfee and see how many of your issues disappear.

[TEEB]

I agree, I was waiting for that.

[casey]

GLC,
Funny that you should say that about MCAfee (I know it's true) as today in our biggest Sunday newspaper, in a full page ad one of our top four Banks giving McAfee (anti virus & firewall) free for one year to all its clients for added internet/security protection !!!

[casey]

Sorry, that should have read "one of our top 4 Banks"

[Nuclear Krusader]

Glc, I know from personal experience that McAfee is very troublesome with other apps. However I have only witnessed this in Windows 9X systems.

I haven't seen a machine yet running 2000/XP and using McAfee, so my question is this: is McAfee as troublesome in NTFS OSes as it is in FAT/FAT32 ones?

[glc]

I don't know because I refuse to try it. I'm not a glutton for punishment, past history means a LOT to me. The minute something burns me, I look for something else.