Norton AV 2005 sucks!

[iTom]

I've just removed Norton Antivirus 2005 from my sister's computer. Her computer was slow, barely unresponsive and, she wanted to play games. I looked at task manager for any extra, resource consuming (ala. a virus) processes... and came across 'ccApp.exe'. It was using 99 CPU. Apparently this belongs to Norton Antivirus. I tried ending it, but apparently I didn't have enough powers.

Symantec actually provide a piece of software, probably their best software yet, which removes all traces of Norton & Co.

The thing that really ticks me off is the fact that Norton is bundled with new computers now, and in the past the same has happened. Here's an example: non-computer savvy user comes along, buys computer, gets 3 month Norton trial, pays £39.99 or so for Norton for the next year: not knowing that there are better AVs out there! Computer-savvy user comes along: takes Norton off. Other user thinks that I did something wrong and puts it on, or tells me to put it back on. Fortunately, after seeing the computer is faster, they change their mind.

I believe Norton should be classed as a virus, and not a anti-virus.

What do you think? Don't you think that Symantec are using some sleazy tactics which should be wrong?

[thezeppzone]

I have always used Norton and I think it is wonderful. I have 2007 Internet Security, so the whole package, and the newest. People do ask me if I use anything else for security though, and the answer is of course, yes. I use AdAware and Spybot for extra purposes, and those help out in the process.

People always come to me with virus questions and how their computer is running slow and whatnot. I throw Norton and Spybot on their computers and spend a few hours of my time not only with my knowledge of other reasons computers can run slowly, but do a system scan and sure enough stuff pops up. Once everything is done that I can do they say it runs so much faster. I am a firm believer that viruses come because of the user, not because of where the user goes.


As for Symantec as a company, it is just like any other company. They ultimately are in it for the money. That is the number one goal of any company in the world. They advertise their product and have deals with computer manufacterers and Windows to have their products pre-installed and make a lot of money when that trial period comes up because that is what the user thinks they should have. Just like Microsoft to begin with. I wouldn't use it if I could have my own ways, but it is available to me for a good price, and although there are many things I wish I could fix about it, I live with it.

[iGeek]

I don't have any anti-virus on my computer. I don't need it, because barely anything actually gets through to my computer.

Even if something did, I have Windows XP on a memory stick that I can fix things up with.

[iTom]

I use Avast! It's great; but it has given me a few false positives (gave me one on Gamespot's site), but it's better to be safe than sorry.

[thezeppzone]

My CS professor has recommended AVG to us because it is apparently pretty good and he hasn't ever had problems with it, and it's free.