Antivirus - Norton vs. AVG

[bhdavis]

My annual Norton update subscription has just run out and I'm thinking it's time to dump this bloated software and go to AVG. I put AVG Free on my laptop last night and my first reaction is very positive.

My first question here is whether or not the free version is adequate for my use. On my Vista laptop I have no critical files and really just use it for evening web surfing. When I do some "real" work on it I always email the file to my office computer when done. The laptop is on a secured wireless network with my wife's office computer which DOES have critical business and personal information. That computer is running with Norton Antivirus on XP Home. So........is the free version adequate for the laptop?

My office computer which also uses XP Home is a whole different story. Very critical info and about 2 weeks of work to reinstall everything if I do a new computer. It has been on Norton Systemworks until now. The virus update subscription ran out yesterday so I'm probably ok for a few days anyway while I make this decision. It is hard wire networked for file transfer purposes to a couple other PCs that are occasionally used for technical processes, and are only on for an hour or two every now and then. So, again, free version or buy the full blown program?

The second question has to do with Norton. Even though I'm dumping Norton Systemworks, I would still like to keep Goback (I love that program.....it's saved my butt countless times) and Norton Utilities....even to the point of being willing to buy new stand alone versions of them. It seems though that I can't uninstall Antivirus without taking the entire Systemworks program off the computer (don't ya just love Symantec!)........and it seems that they don't sell any stand alone versions of these anymore anyway (don't ya just love Symantec!)......and it seems you don't BUY the Symantec programs at all any more.....you just buy a 1 year license to USE them (don't ya just love Symantec!). Sheesh. Do I have this right? Are they really THAT bad?

Is there an alternative to GoBack or the Norton Utilities One Button Checkup utility?

Anyway, just venting a bit. Input and suggestions appreciated.

Thanks,
BH

[viking33]

There are still some advocates of Norton here on the Lounge but I think there are many more who have ( like myself ) given Symantec the boot in favor of AVG or Avast. Both are <img src=/S/free.gif border=0 alt=free width=30 height=15> and do a very good job of AV protection. I would recommend them without hesitation.
If you DO decide to dump Norton, I would suggest you download their UnInstaller utility from their site and use it to remove the traces of Systemworks or other Norton products. Then install either of the two products.

So far as GoBack is concerned, I also removed that in favor of Acronis True Image, that doesn't get in your way or be as intrusive as GoBack. You create an EXACT image of your drives and ALL it contains and you can schedule it to run when YOU want it to run or manually run it, not in the background.
Another Imager that seems to be gaining some favor here is Shadow Protect with very similar features as True Image. I haven't tried it thus far but others have and swear by it also.

I don't have much experience with Norton One Button but I never did trust any "one button protection" that claims to do everything for you without any chance to review just what is wants to do. Show me first, then let me decide.

[DocWatson]

I might add to Bob's recommendations by adding that GoBack has had issues in the past and it's been so long since I've seen a post regarding GoBack that I don't know if it's been corrected.

In it's early days before Symantec bought it's creator, GoBack had a nasty habit of trashing the MBR (master boot record) rendering the system unbootable with the only option being to install a new HD and then slaving the old drive to it after installing Windows and all the programs and <img src=/S/crossfingers.gif border=0 alt=crossfingers width=17 height=16> that you can recover all your data. I know this from 2 personal experiences and after the second time I moved on to True Image and have been very pleased. It has not ever let me down.

[HansV]

AVG has had its share of problems - this weekend they released an update that completely clobbered Windows (see AVG brings Windows to its knees) and in August they released a faulty update (see <post:=727,814>post 727,814</post:>).

I've been using Norton AntiVirus for years now, both at home and at work, and although I admit it used to take up a lot of resources in older versions, recent ones are much 'leaner'; and I've never had problems with it.

[jscher2000]

You should take a little inventory of your security suite so that you can identify all components that you will want to replace. These might include: antivirus, anti-spyware, software firewall, anti-spam, URL checking (e.g., browser toolbar or proxy in the background), and so on. You can get plenty of recommendations here. <img src=/S/grin.gif border=0 alt=grin width=15 height=15>

[IreneLinda]

[quote name='jscher2000' post='742063' date='11-Nov-2008 15:22']You should take a little inventory of your security suite so that you can identify all components that you will want to replace. These might include: antivirus, anti-spyware, software firewall, anti-spam, URL checking (e.g., browser toolbar or proxy in the background), and so on. You can get plenty of recommendations here. <img src=/S/grin.gif border=0 alt=grin width=15 height=15>[/quote]

Not exactly a reply and I hope this isn't highjacking a thread (please let me know if it is!), but I am also considering replacing my about-to-expire McAfee antivirus with a free AVG or Avast. Is one preferable to the other? AVG I've heard about for a long time; Avast just came up in a Woody's newsletter as being excellent.

Thanks.

[bigaldoc]

[quote name='IreneLinda' post='777362' date='28-May-2009 16:35']... AVG I've heard about for a long time; Avast just came up in a Woody's newsletter as being excellent.[/quote]
As Hans said and you can find an example or two if you search The Lounge, there have been intermittent problems with various versions of AVG. I haven't tried it for several years and probably won't because...

I've been using Avast for a couple of years now on XP, Vista and Win7 and have not had a single problem. It doesn't bloat my system, works quietly in the background and updates itself at least every day, sometimes more. But even that is fast an unobtrusive. I haven't had any infections, ever, so I guess they all work just as well. However, I'm so satisfied with Avast, I don't plan on dumping it.

[DocWatson]

I also have been using Avast for a couple years and have no complaints, problems or plans to change. Flawless protection, unobtrusive and you can't beat the price.

[IreneLinda]

[quote name='Bigaldoc' post='777365' date='28-May-2009 21:18']As Hans said and you can find an example or two if you search The Lounge, there have been intermittent problems with various versions of AVG. I haven't tried it for several years and probably won't because...

I've been using Avast for a couple of years now on XP, Vista and Win7 and have not had a single problem. It doesn't bloat my system, works quietly in the background and updates itself at least every day, sometimes more. But even that is fast an unobtrusive. I haven't had any infections, ever, so I guess they all work just as well. However, I'm so satisfied with Avast, I don't plan on dumping it.[/quote]

Thanks, Doc Watson and Big Al. I'm going to go with Avast (OS is Vista) on the weekend when McAfee expires. Glad (as always) I checked the Lounge before making a decision! I had been all set to download AVG.

Linda

[IreneLinda]

[quote name='DocWatson' post='777370' date='28-May-2009 21:27']I also have been using Avast for a couple years and have no complaints, problems or plans to change. Flawless protection, unobtrusive and you can't beat the price. ^_^[/quote]
Doc, another quick question about procedure: when McAfee expires tomorrow, do I still need to uninstall it before installing Avast? I recall reading that you need to uninstall any other anti virus programs before installing Avast, or any other one.

[jaystarter1]

[quote name='IreneLinda' post='777453' date='29-May-2009 15:44']Doc, another quick question about procedure: when McAfee expires tomorrow, do I still need to uninstall it before installing Avast? I recall reading that you need to uninstall any other anti virus programs before installing Avast, or any other one.[/quote]

If it's not there it cant interfere with any new antivirus I suppose. There is a Mcafee removal tool. read this and scroll right down to find the download Uninstall Mcafee

[jscher2000]

[quote name='IreneLinda' post='777453' date='29-May-2009 07:44']I recall reading that you need to uninstall any other anti virus programs before installing Avast, or any other one.[/quote]
It's a good practice, and many installers will either prompt you to do it before the new product will install, or will rip it out themselves.

Naturally, you'll want to resist the urge to get on the internet during the period when your PC is "naked."

[DocWatson]

[quote name='IreneLinda' post='777453' date='29-May-2009 10:44']Doc, another quick question about procedure: when McAfee expires tomorrow, do I still need to uninstall it before installing Avast? I recall reading that you need to uninstall any other anti virus programs before installing Avast, or any other one.[/quote]

Always remove one AV program before installing another. As Jefferson said, the new program will probably protest about the presence of another AV program. I would use the McAfee removal tool recommended in a previous post to be certain you get all traces of that program out.

Before removing McAfee, go to the Avast site and DL the installation executable file to your desktop. Then remove McAfee, reboot and then install Avast. You might want to disconnect from the internet before rebooting, but Avast will require you to go online during the installation to DL updates to the database. As long as you are running a good firewall, IMHO you do not need to disconnect the internet connection, but that is a personal choice.

HTH. Let us know how you make out.

[IreneLinda]

[quote name='jaystarter1' post='777476' date='29-May-2009 18:14']If it's not there it cant interfere with any new antivirus I suppose. There is a Mcafee removal tool. read this and scroll right down to find the download Uninstall Mcafee[/quote]
Great! Thanks, Jeff. I'll read and follow the link you sent and use the recommended uninstall tool.

Linda

[IreneLinda]

Jeff, by way of report: followed link and directions; McAfee removed perfectly with no need to remove any leftover folders from my C drive; Avast in and working well after its initial complete scan before start up. So far I love the audio reports it gives that I have been updated! Thanks for the help and the helpful link!

Linda