Spyware, viruses, & security forum: Need Advice on Security

Hi Carol,

Thanks for your help and am glad you told me of the Norton removal tool, I wasn't aware of it. The ASC I uninstalled it as quick as I downloaded it! lol! My computer was running slow so I thought I'd try it to see if it would help, and it didn't.

I've heard the AVG and Avast was good so I may try one. Is it true Norton can slow down a pc? I've heard several saying that. Yes I will use Windows firewall. I seem to remember you saying something like it's not so much the security but some sites you visit.

Thanks again,

Tony

The Norton Removal Tool has come to a be "a must". Most vendors offer the same type utilities, to include Avast and AVG. They're especially important, when removing suites such as Norton and McAfee.

You asked if it's true if Norton can slow down a PC. Norton and McAfee were notoriously known for being resource hogs. I've read where Norton has made some improvements, over the past couple of years. But I don't know it to be a fact. Nor do I know how much of an improvement has been made.

For the most part suites and "all-in-one" programs tend to use more resources, then separate programs which perform the same tasks. I'm not an advocate of suites. Only because I'd rather go with separate programs, which are designed to focus on one specific task. As opposed to suites which attempt to perform a multitude of tasks. The aphorism, "Jack of all trades, master of none" seems to come to mind.

Safety entails more than just the sites you visit, but it IS an important aspect. If you don't already have a (free) scanning tool, which reports the safety ratings of websites, I would strongly urge you to consider installing one . One such tool is Web of Trust (WOT). There are other's. None of them are 100% percent accurate, 100% of the time, but they're all excellent tools to use as a guideline.

Lastly, if you decide not to renew Norton's suite, and want (or need) a tutorial for the free A/V you choose, "give a shout". Or more appropriately.... create a post. I'll be more than happy to provide one for you.

Good luck with whichever A/V you choose..
Carol