Norton or McAffee

[mjkovis]

What does everyone think? Norton or McAffee Anit-Virus... I dont know which to get. I can get McAffee much cheaper, but the Norton Internet Security pack is on sale this week with rebates. I just want something more on my computer since this whole "Blaster Worm" thing came down through the past month or so.

[eldon]

If I were just picking between the 2 then I would go with norton,however I have found that avg,does just as good a job as either without using as many resources and its free. You can go here and take a look at it,the 6.0 version.www.grisoft.com

[mjkovis]

That is what I was thinking too. Norton would be my way to go. Oh well. I will see what others think as well! Thanks.

[sdkfz]

search this site for "Mcafee is a virus" then choose decide, of course people here do not think much of norton except for the AV.

[TwoRails]

I like NAV, so that's what I use. I've had a lot of trouble with McAfee software in general, so personally I don't have faith in their AV. I do hear that AVG is pretty good, but I haven't tried it myself.

[Panama Red]

Let's see, I can address all 3. Downloading a McAfee update caused me to have to reformat, so their AV will never see a computer of mine again. Norton is on my main computer, but I'll only use the AV. The rest of their software is a resource hog and redundant to XP. I have AVG on two other systems and they seem to be working fine. No problems and the price is a great feature too!

[not important]

Between the two. Norton.

[mjkovis]

Sounds like I am going with Norton. So everyone is saying just to go with their AV? I shouldnt get the Internet Security package?

[TwoRails]

This week, Best Buy is selling Zone Alarm Pro 4 for only $19 after rebates. If you don't run a home network, then their free version should be OK, as that's one of the biggest differences betweent the free and "Pro" versions.

[swhite]

You can get Norton Systemworks 2003 for $10 or $11:

http://www.computersworth.com/item.cfm?SKU=NSW2003PRO

http://hmcomputer.techgather.com/cgi...14103435048.73

[not important]

I use Norton Systemworks Pro and I have no problems with it.
Others seem to have some issues with it.

[mjkovis]

I like what comes with Systemworks Pro, because that is what I really need. But I like the package of Internet Security because it has some extras that I would like to play with. Hmmm... Making me think again! :-)

[TwoRails]

I love NSW Pro, but don't use everything it comes with. Don't forget, though, NSW doesn't come with NIS, but does come with the *full* version of NAV, and the "Pro" also includes Ghost.

[mjkovis]

TwoRails - That is why I want NIS. It has the extra features or programs on it. Do you think it is worth the trouble? Like I said. I just want to play. I love this stuff. I am actually just now going back to school next week to start my general ed and then go into some field with computers. Dont know just yet! :-)

[swhite]

My advice is to get the systemworks and the free version of ZoneAlarm. That will give you everything you need unless you are using broadband and have a network.

[mjkovis]

I have broadband cable. 1.5 mbit to be exact. Actually I think Charter says it is like 1.533 mbs. Something like that.

[TwoRails]

Originally posted by Acid-Klutch TwoRails - That is why I want NIS. It has the extra features or programs on it. Do you think it is worth the trouble? ...

Sorry, can't help much there, as I've never used NIS - I know, however, that I've never read a bad review on it, and have heard a lot of good things!!

[mc2phat]

I have had nothing but problems with MacAfee and absolutely do not recommend it. Norton has always worked well for me. My advice would be to run NAV and one of the free firewalls only.

HTH

[mjkovis]

Alright. I will sleep on it. This "blaster worm" just got me way too worried. It couldnt effect me because I was already updated way back when Microsoft first put the update up. I will see what happens.

[Confused]

If you are limiting your choices to McAfee or Nortons, then I would say Nortons.

I have run Nortons for 18 months on my PC and and Avast on my wifes. I will switch my PC to avast when my current subscription to Nortons is up at end of year. Avast is free. www.avast.com

I would stay away from Nortons systemworks and Zone alarm and buy a router. I prefer a hardware firewall over a sofeware one any day. Plus if you should decide on a second PC a router would be needed anyway. Also if you run XP it has a software one that is as good as Zonealarm anyway.
Chas

[morriswindgate]

Go with Norton or AVG Free version from www.grisoft.com. And don't let the fact that it is free make you think that it isn't very good. Grisoft always seems to release updates quicker than the other AV programs and it has other advantages in that it is a small program and runs scans in a quarter of the time Norton takes.
As to McAfee, I do not know if they have improved it or not, but I had it back in 1999. The update site always had trouble and I was not able to update part of the time and when I uninstalled it to switch to Norton, it's uninstaller screwed my internet settings up to the point that I had to reformat.
But if you want to take a chance on them improving it, go ahead. I personally never trust a program whose main market is coming as an installed program on Retail boxes.

[crjdriver]

A second vote for the router. Get the free av and spend the money on the router.

[mike breck]

If you want cheaper, then you can't get cheaper than AVG.

However, if you want to pay, then get Norton.

I use both and they have caused no problems whatsoever.

I just wonder how long AVG will continue to be free. Past history has taught us that the good, free anti-virus programs seem to wait until they build up a sufficient market penetration and dependancy, and then start charging for it e.g. Innoculate-it.

[mjkovis]

I already have a wireless router. It is a Netgear and it sucks. Always losing signal to my other computer downstairs.