weigh in about Norton/Symantec

still trying to optimize my computer protection after chaslang got me all fixed up with removing spyware. looking through threads on this site, it looks like many of you despise Norton Anti-virus. should i get rid of it and go with something else? if so, why? just wondering why it's so bad (or, maybe it's not).

 

Norton is a resource hog. If you decide to dump it you will need this tool:
http://www.majorgeeks.com/Norton_Removal_Tool_SymNRT_d4749.html

and this is the 3 most popular AV here at the site.
http://www.majorgeeks.com/page.php?id=20#viruses

 

Norton is fine, just uses a lot of resources, there are other programs that use less. If you have a paid subscription, keep it updated and when it runs out get another program(s) if you want.

I used Norton for yrs with no problems, so no it's not bad. Surfing safe is always good tho.

I now use AVG antivirus and like it.

You also need a realtime anti-spy program and a firewall. There is a list of programs available w/notes from Chaslang here:
http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=44525

*It's not clear what Symantec product you have, if it includes antispy, firewall and you decided to keep it, you shouldn't run two active anti virus, firewalls or two realtime antispy. Chas explains better in the link above.

I run two other non realtime programs weekly also as back up. Sophos Anti Root and Spybot. I change these periodically, flavor of the mth type of thing.