Norton-Delete or Not?

Couldn't figure out the best place to put this, so hope it belongs in this section.

I have Norton Systemworks 2003 installed on my pc. While perusing varies internet sources of info, I have noticed that some people have indicated that there are many more new programs that do everything Norton does, does it better, and takes up much less space.

I must admit when I take a look at my registry, Norton seems to have entrenched itself almost everywhere. The anti-virus program is OK, as long as I do the updates manually off the Symantec website almost on a daily basis. It is the only way to immediately download new updates rather then wait for the auto LiveUpdate. It has done a decent job with viruses, but I've found Avast!, Ad-Aware etc. to be just as good if not better, and Avast especially isn't a system hog. Likewise, other programs that scan the disk (windows of course provides its own) defrag and do other clean up work are now all available elsewhere.

I'm just curious as to what others here think. I can remember when Norton and McAfee were almost the only contenders in a now crowded field. Perhaps it's time to remove its tentacles from my pc's innards and go with these other, new software titles.

Any thoughts on the matter would be most appreciated. Hope everyone is having a pleasant day.....
Sharon

 

most eveyone here will tell you to dump norton fast. i being one of them.

eric

 

Probably right if we took a popular vote. I used to use Norton's, but when I found this site I discovered other virus programs that were just as good and free. I use AVG and like it, have thought about giving Avast a try and may, I'm looking at laptops right now and would probably try Avast on it.

But, some people like NAV and it gives them no problems and they are used to using it, that's OK.

Give Avast a try if you think you like it. Be sure you uninstall NAV the proper way, you must know about the problems people have uninstalling so go to the Symantec site here, http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPOR...5694500552355&dtype=&prod=&ver=&osv=&osv_lvl=

and be sure you follow the proper method for SystemWorks 2003.

Steve

 

Speaking from experience, I now have NIS 2004 but it was quite a journey to get there, since I had to uninstall numerous files manually before it worked in the registry.

I agree with everyone else, that Norton has it's highs and lows, but I would recommend Avast as a free Anti-Virus, as well as Adaware, Spyblaster and Spyguard for keeping your system clean.

Norton is with me for now, but I will think differently in the future.

I also have used Norton products for quite some time, including Systemworks.
So when you decide to uninstall, realize that there is a lot more work involved.
And you will not get the support from Symantec, only a redirection to other pages for you to follow.

 

Thanks for the replies.

I understand uninstalling Systemworks is a real pain. As noted, it is entrenched just about everywhere and it shocked me when I saw the amount of space the program uses. I've since tried smaller, faster programs and am starting to look at Norton as a real dinosaur.

I do have Avast, it is wonderful. These folks update several times daily. They don't mess around; as soon as they find a baddie an update is sent. They have to hold the record for the fastest and most amount of updates in a given time period. Also running Spybot, Trojan Hunter etc.

I'll go through the instructions provided, decide if it's worth it and probably set aside a long stretch of time to erase Norton Systemworks. Having the CD, I could always re-install it if I want.

Again many thanks to the fine folks here who have replied.

 

I used to have Norton on my computer, but it gave me more problems that it did good. So I dumped it completely and now use AVG. I really had a rough time getting rid of Norton. I finally had to reformat my hard drive. I would not recommend it to anyone. Thanks.

 

Sharon, I guess it depends on what you use Norton Systemworks for. I only open mine ( an old version) to run WinDoctor and Speed Disk. At all other times it is closed. I run Zone Alarm, Avast, InstallSpy and teatimer.exe (from Spybot S&D) every time I am on the net. They do the job, are free and have updates regularly. When I want to defrag I run Speed Disk. If I think I may have Windows problems I run WinDoctor to check. Bazza

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download AVG from grisoft.com.... by far the best antivirus out right now..... even better it is FREE for life!!!!! and for problems removing NAV... there is a tool floating around the internet called RNAV i believe... it gets rid of the pesky little program when nothing else will. when i find a link for it i will post it