Norton 360?

my parents just bought me a new computer. all I really wanted was the computer, but they were talked into buying Norton 360 version 5.0, and it was installed onto the computer before they brought it home. it is 1 year protection.
I'm not yet using this new computer.
previously I've never used Norton as I've read there were better free programs you can download, and have read negative things about Norton.
if Norton is already on there, now what?
should I keep it? or remove it and use something else?
if I do keep it.. Norton says "All-In-One Security" but is mostly just anti virus? and I would still need to download firewall and other programs mentioned here? http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=107991

 

I read the review of Norton 360. this is both a Firewall and Anti Virus?
on my old computer I have used Zone Alarm and Avira AntiVir.

from the page about setting up a new computer.
http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=107991
I would still need one of Spyware protection and Spam protection?

 

Well, it's Norton's Internet Security 2011 that has shown the best results so far. Consumes fewer resources, easier to use, more effective and not a bloatware that would be bog down your system like the older versions. Can't really say the same for Norton 360.

Given that you have a 1 year subscription, I'd say leave it installed on your computer. However, from time to time, be sure to perform a full system scan using programs like Microsoft Security Essentials, Malwarebytes etc.. You don't need them offering real-time scan, just on-demand scans as and when you need them.

On a final note, you can choose to disable a particular section (let's say Firewall) of Norton 360 and use a program of your choice (let's say ZoneAlarm) instead. This way you eliminate the possibility of conflicts.

 

This review by Matousec at
http://www.matousec.com/projects/proactive-security-challenge/results.php
may help you make up your mind as to AV programs and Firewalls.
(see thumbnail)

Earlier review moved me to Comodo firewall and Avast, and earlier still, from Zone Alarm Free and AVG.
Most recently I've switched to Comodo Internet Security (CIS), combined Firewall and AV, also FREE.
Voted #1 by this review.

Available from Major Geeks at
http://majorgeeks.com/Comodo_Internet_Security_d6234.html

CIS #1 at 100%, ZA Free 7% over 148 tests.

Bazza

 

I read the link below about a year ago and since then I don't really trust in Firewall ratings by Matousec anymore.
http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=281529

Seems to be true.

 

My link is the latest from Matousec, AFAIK, not the older post.

Bazza

 

The OP links raise some interesting points. :confused

Checking out MG ratings: :major

Comodo Internet Security 5.5
Date: 2011-07-04
Size: 34.6 MB License: Freeware Requires: Win7/Vista/XP Downloaded: 35698 Times Rating: 4.63 (152 votes)

Online Armor Free 5.1.0.1331 Final
Size: 21.3 MB License: Freeware Requires: Win XP/2003/Vista/Windows7
Downloaded: 54579 Times Rating: 4.63 (437 votes)

Firewalls and AV's usually end up a personal choice.

Bazza

 

thanks for all the help.
sorry it's taken so long to reply.

with the best rated program being "Comodo Internet Security 5.5" the best idea for me to do would be to download/use this program instead of Norton 360? Norton wouldn't be a loss for me since it was bought, it can still be used on 2 other computers in the house.

Comodo Internet Security 5.5 would also be a complete package of Anti Virus and Firewall? I would then still download/use Spyware Blaster, Mallwarebytes, and something else like CCleaner.