Liberated My Computer

[Norm F]

My Norton Internet Security subscription is due to expire tomorrow. Last weekend, I dumped Norton from my computer. I loaded BitDefender as an anti-virus program and ZoneAlarm as a firewall at a total cost of 24.95 US. My computer now boots in half of the time and I've only seen the "Virtual Memory Too Low" warning once this week. I had Elements open for several hours and three files on the go at one time when it appeared. This thing is running much smoother and faster than it did when it was brand new. Norton is a major resource hog.

[virgo1]

Norm,
Wendesday I help a friend dump Norton and Napster from her laptop and installed AVGfree. She has Webroot's SpywareSweeper. Barb was surprized at how much faster her machine is. It is a hog for sure.
Eva;)

[Norm F]

Eva,

I also put Spysweeper on mine as an added precaution (three months free with BitDefender). There are quite a few more 'running processes' but they all run quicker than Norton did alone. I'm blown away! I just hope it's as secure. I never did have a virus or any king of malicious script with Norton so I have to give them that.

[rtronick]

I've used the free version of AVG for years. I've never had a problem. Zone Alarm is a good program, but has become a resource hog (IMO). Anything Norton is worse! Use a router with your internet connection (even with one computer) and use the firewall option in WinXP. The router has a built-in firewall & the firewall option in XP gives a little extra protection.

Remember...Don't open attachments in an e-mail unless you are expecting it. Most viruses are sent via e-mail, when the virus will attach itself to and send an e-mail to everyone listed in your address book. AVG Free has an e-mail scanner that works very good. Here's a list of what I use on every computer in my house (except my Mac).

http://free.grisoft.com/freeweb.php

http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html

http://www.safer-networking.org/

http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/

As always...Run the update option of these programs at least once a week. New definitions are added often, so I make it a point to try a update at least once a week. It must be working. I've been virus/spyware free for years now.

Randy T

[Carbone]

I am using AVG Free for my Virtual PC (Windows XP and Windows ME) and it much faster than the Norton I had before :D

Ray