Norton vs. AVG

I'm hearing from alot of people that norton can slow down the performance of my computer, I.E., internet browser, windows startup, etc. I was wondering if I should uninstall norton and get AVG, how much of a saftey difference is there in the two.

P.S. I have Norton, internet security, anti-virus, and anti-spam

 

If you are happy with Norton and aren't experiencing any problems, then stick with it.

As far as safety is concerned, they are both very good as long as they are updated.

AVG has a few less features, but it is free.


I run Norton AV 2005 on my second PC, a Pentium III 866, and it goes okay.

 

Doing the below will completly remove all the norton products from your system, only use this tool if you want to get rid of Norton.

1. DownloadSymNRT and save it too your desktop

2. Double click to open

3. Click next and accept the licence

4. Enter the code, then click next

5. Let it finish the scanning and press finish when done


For a free anti-virus you could useAvast! Home Edition or AntiVir Personal Edition but remember to only install one of them

For a firewall you could use ZoneAlarm Free or Sygate Personal Firewall Free but remember to only install one of them

controlmind

 

Norton is "nearly" full-proof but does cost. I swear by Norton but have been using it for nearly 10 years. Thus, it is a valuable investment.

 

What vulnerabilities?

 

yeah clue us in... i'm a big fan of Avast and don't envision myself changing AV's... i'm using version 4.6.691

 

These probably.

 

okay, i clicked on the "read more" link under both vulnerabilities, and this was the solution to the first one"

Solution:
Home/Professional Edition:
Update to version 4.6.691.

and for the second one:

Update to version 4.6.665 or later.


looks like both of these problems aren't an issue, if you keep your program up to date

 

You're OK, if you are running 4.6.691, as this patches the vulnerbilities found in 4.6.665

 

Quite correct. I was thinking something recent was happening. As of right now, there are 0 security issues according to Secunia.

 

what about firewall I'm really looking into removing norton, it takes so long to load on my computer, but I won't have internet security what do you suggest?

 

Either one that controlmind has pointed out work very well, I personally use Sygate Personal Firewall.

 

I second Sygate, especially in light of Zone Alarm's instability issues as of late.

 

I hear you, when it comes to the protection of information on classified systems. If the patch is questionably, then it isn't a good idea to use the AV solution on systems that contain critical data, or systems that will acces the systems that contain the critical data.

 

I also understand.

When I was in the military, during my 3rd command, I was working at Joint Forces Intelligence Command. Which was quite a hush hush type of place. But, it was very fun to work there!

I register to the following: Secunia email updates and NTBUGTRAQ.

 

Where else do you get alerts, Star?

 

If you still have a valid license for Norton, and probably paid for it, I would suggest that you keep using it until it A:expires or B:actually causes problems with your system. Then you can switch to Avast .

 

I thought I saw on this forum that using SYMNRT to delete Norton still leaves items in your registery. If this is true, how do you get rid of all traces. I've had Norton for about a year for my Windows 98 and my subscription is almost up. Frankly, it has been a pita and something I won't miss.

 

After uninstalling run a good Registry Cleaner and then manually edit HKLM/System and HKLM/Software in the registry for any remaining enters from Symantec/Norton.

 

Thanks, Dude. I have a registry cleaner but not sure about how to edit HKLM system and software.

 

Once you run the regcleaner you may not have to manually edit your registry.

 

Start> run> [type] regedit> click ok> click the + next to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE> and look for software and system and just click on the + to see the entries.

controlmind

 

Thank you!

 

For anyone else reading this, the following is from the Symantec site:

SymNRT should be used only if you have tried to uninstall the Norton program using Windows Add/Remove Programs and that did not work.

 

Your welcome

controlmind

 

Insomniac is correct SymNRT and RNav2003 are only to be used after uninstalling from Add/Remove Programs fails. Symantec's removal instructions are clear on that point.

 

I've just removed Norton from my '98 Windows system and am wondering if I got it all. I used add/ remove, a registry cleaner, and deleted Symantec items under HKLM/software and system. However, I still see an item in start up called Symantec Core LC which I have disabled. Shoud this be removed and, if so, how? Also, do you think I got all Norton out? I did not use SYMNRT since you guys advise not to.

 

It really depends on what version you have.

Since you have already used Add/Remove, you can try the SymNRT or RNav2003, whichever is appropriate.

Again depending on your version, there is another removal utility called RnisUPG.exe .

Once you have done that, if you don't have any Norton or Symantec products installed, you can do a search using the key words Norton and Symantec, and manually delete any residual entries, both in your folders and Registry. (Doing a backup first goes without saying)

 

Look under

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run

for any entries related to Norton/Symantec and delete them.

Reboot, and your machine should be clean of Norton.

 

Thanks, guys. I think I've got it all now. I replaced 2004 NIS with free AVG anti virus and free Zone Alarm firewall.