System security software..

[f-16]

Hi all!

I just registered a few days ago, so I am a new face here. Here's the story on my security software.

1. Norton system works. I should remove it soon, because it is a BIG resource hog. The subscription has run out and I don't want to renew it.

2. Firewall: Zone Alarm with AV. I LOVE this firewall. It catches/blocks lot's of passable intrusions.

3. Adware/spry ware: Spyware Doctor and Spybot SD. No problems with these programs.

4. Anti virus: Zone Alarm AV (part of the ZA package). This is temporary until I download and install AVG.

Ok, now my questions. From reading here it seems that I should remove NSW. Should I just use the uninstall program in Add/Remove software? Is is better to use the Norton's removal tool? (Link?) Which one will remove Norton's completely?

Next, What are your thoughts on ZA AV? Is it as good as Norton's AV? I am using it right now temporarily. I plan on getting AVG soon.

My spyware/adware programs are up to date and are not a problem. They seem to work fine. (Knock on wood)

I appreciate any other advice you can give me.

Thanks for helping a new kid on the block.

Scott.

 

[Respital]

Ok, now my questions. From reading here it seems that I should remove NSW. Should I just use the uninstall program in Add/Remove software? Is is better to use the Norton's removal tool? (Link?) Which one will remove Norton's completely?

Next, What are your thoughts on ZA AV? Is it as good as Norton's AV? I am using it right now temporarily. I plan on getting AVG soon.

My spyware/adware programs are up to date and are not a problem. They seem to work fine. (Knock on wood)

I appreciate any other advice you can give me.

Thanks for helping a new kid on the block.

Scott.

Use the Norton removal tool, it should get all of it. Removing it via add or remove programs tends to miss some files.

I personally have never tried ZA AV although i recommend taking a look at AntiVir. It's a very good Anti-Virus software catches all the little buggers and the big ones, but the biggest difference which you probably won't find anywhere else is if you vist a website infected with Malware and such then AntiVir automatically opens a component of it's self to protect the GUI (Graph User Interface), but it stops you from even getting infected (it did for me) as long as you select "Deny Access" then the website will FAIL.

However, keeping up will all the programs is never enough. What happens if your child or someone with little computer knowledge goes on the computer and uses Google for something? Keep in mind Google is a search engine and it's job is to search for websites not evaluate their trustworthyness Childsafty and such. Today it's a must (if you know stuff about computers or not) to be using a safer web broswer Firefox being a favourite of many. But why stop there? Never ever stop there! Using some addons do help some however don't work or actually make you less safe! WOT (Web Of Trust) is the best add on anyone could have ever thought of. (In my opinion) Read up a little about the add on before installing the add on. Also don't you hate those annoying pop ups? I'm sure you do and so do the majority of computer users as most contain Malicious code that could hurt your pc. Using an add on such as Add Block Plus completely eliminate pop ups unless a website is disigned to make them pop up but using this is conjunction with WOT will save you from being infected in the first place.

I think i've talked enough about that, hope that helps you out!

 

[f-16]

Good info..

Thanks for the info.

When I get the time I will remove NSW and load AVG.

Does anyone know anything about ZA anti virus? I have it running now, but is it as good as AVG? Pro's/Con's? I did a search here and found nothing?

Thanks.
Scott