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General discussion

AVG or Norton?

Mar 24, 2004 6:15PM PST

I used AVG free edition for over two years and always kept it updated. No problems. Then a couple of weeks ago my one computer was infected with the Opas Worm (probably through my own carelessness). I tried everything with AVG and could not remove it. So I went to Norton and Norton took care of business. Here's my question: On my one computer AVG scans 27,000 files on a complete scan, Norton scans 38,000. On the other computer AVG scans 47,000 and Norton scans 84,000. Big difference. Isn't it possible that some of those files that AVG is not even scanning could be infected and you'd never know it? Thanks.

Discussion is locked

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Re:AVG or Norton?
Mar 24, 2004 8:50PM PST

Not one AV program can stop you from installing inadvertantly a piece of malware or trojan or such. While its best to ask "How good does AV work?" in the security forum, I'm beginning to encounter people that have the impression (mostly due to the marketing of AV!) that you install their AV and you don't have to worry. Or be careful.

Sadly, nothing is farther from the truth. The most used email program might be Outlook Express and even today just PREVIEWING email is dangerous and can cause infections even with McAfee, Norton or "Your Choice."

As to removing pests. Sometimes you have to read a page about the pest and follow the removal instructions. Sometimes one AV vendor will incorporate removal into their AV and the other will leave it to an instruction on their web site (which will be far cheaper to develop.)

In closing, Norton 2004 is not doing that great on the reviews. Just read -> http://www.cnet.com/Norton_AntiVirus_2004/4852-3513_7-30521466.html?tag=dir
With (at present) over 7 out of 10 giving it a thumbs down, it's not a sure thing you will not find an issue. Prior years were better. I expect Symantec to fix this in 2005. I do not expect them to admit any flaw in the 2004 product. Its their nature.

Bob

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Re:Re:AVG or Norton?
Mar 24, 2004 11:32PM PST

Thanks for the input. Hey, what if I run both AVG & Norton? Will that do somethin' bad to my computer?
A newbie.

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Maybe. So don't do that.
Mar 25, 2004 2:14AM PST

The exact why not is best discussed in the Security Forum (it's the topic of that forum), but just make your choice and stick with it.

Bob

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Re:Re:Re:AVG or Norton?
Mar 25, 2004 7:31AM PST

I run Nortons 2003 on my WinXP puter with good results. Also run AVG on a Win98se and WinMe computer only because the subscriptions ran out for Nortons and too cheap to renew for the $$ wanted since they upped it from $3 per year. AVG seems to be ok so far. I believe you must select one or the other to prevent problems.

Like Bob indicates, suggest you go to the Viruses and Security Forum for discussions like this. Click here:

http://reviews.cnet.com/5204-6132-0.html?forumID=32&start=0

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Re:Re:AVG or Norton?
Nov 30, 2004 1:29PM PST

Running both AVG & Norton won't do any harm to your PC. The only drawback is that you will suffer some performance slow down.

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Simke, That's Not Always Correct..
Dec 1, 2004 1:54AM PST

You're statement: "Running both AVG & Norton won't do any harm to your PC" is a little broad and against recommended procedures. I've fixed computers which had AVG and Norton installed as well as other combinations of antivirus. (Lots of crashes, blue screens and errors.) Removing one or the other allowed the machines to run correctly although sometimes a lot of work was required to fix issues that were created. "Sometimes" two antivirus programs can be installed on the same machine as long as only one is actually running at start up, but that's NOT the suggested method.

It all relates to the conflicts that can arise. Conflicts with drivers can make internet connections disappear as well as causing both antivirus programs to function poorly. Enough conflicts have occurred that Norton/Symantec now and in the past has recommended uninstalling all previous versions of antivirus that have been installed on the machine, INCLUDING their own. A link or two:

What to do before installing Norton AntiVirus 2003 or 2004

Installing Norton AntiVirus 2005 from the CD

Hope this helps.

Grif

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Re:AVG or Norton?
Mar 26, 2004 1:30AM PST

I've used AVG a long time myself and usually the best service I've gotten from it, are direct web attacks like say, some Active-X or webpage type attack. It has also found some virii in the files but usualy none found. Norton, while I've used it, has gotten to be such a resource hog or seems to develope problems on its own, I've gotten rid ot it. In light of your question, I still use AVG, but do several "online scans" from various AV vendors and usually they find or resolve any problems. Plus, some malware is best attacked by a direct solution or mamual removal by the user. Further, the files scanned will produce various results and look into the setup of the AV scanner to be sure it does whatever it can. Basic defaults maybe good for a 1st pass, but deeper passes will require resetting the config in order to do "deep scans". And yes some AV are better via a default setting than others, but also "free versions" may lack some features or require a resetting to proceed as best they can. In spite of all this, AVG has worked well for me with dual AV setups like Norton, RAV, Panda, Trend and others w/o a problem. Happy

good luck -----Willy

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Re:Re:AVG or Norton?
Apr 20, 2004 8:58AM PDT

I have used AGV the free version for over two years. I check for updates about every 3 to 5 days and have yet had a problem with it. It saved my butt several times.
Good Luck

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Re:AVG or Norton?
Apr 20, 2004 1:47PM PDT

When Norton works, it works well. Yes, they provide separte removal tools if the case calls for it. AVG-Pro is far more better and also gets the people support. Like you I use AVG on various systems and it does well too. Yes, it may hic-up but rarely. All in all, I'll stick with AVG free for now plus the free online scans from the various AV vendors. Norton, however when it doesn't want to work(I've seen it) fails badly in some cases may take the system with it or needs corrective action that Norton caused and not by a virus either plus what other users have mentioned on forums and thier own user forum. In my case AVG hasn't caused me any concern and yes it does report differently on the various systems I've had it on. Consider also recently AVG requires a separate d/l to update from past release version to get into a better level of AV using the AVG-free, it has to be done directly not using the update service, so look into that.

this message has been approved by -----Willy

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Re:AVG or Norton?
Apr 22, 2004 1:56AM PDT

I found that Norton slowed my machine down when using XP, so I changed over to AVG which worked well while I was using an old version of Mcafee firewall. When I upgraded my Mcafee firewall I got problems. Since Xmas I have used the E Trust, EZ Armor firewall and antivirus which is auto updated and works great.

Dont forget to run AdAware and/or Spy Bot S&D to catch the spyware and bugs. Its a good idea to run Mcafee Stinger every few days, its stand alone freeware and will find any trojans and worms missed by the antivirus, which can happen these days.

Good Luck, your gonna need it with the idiots on the net these days, out to ruin peoples enjoyment.

Ken

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Re: AVG or Norton?
Nov 17, 2004 4:32AM PST

i can,t find the free avg to download itwill someone tell where it is and how to get it

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John, This Should Help
Nov 17, 2004 5:12AM PST
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Also, two other free AntiVirus programs
Nov 18, 2004 7:17AM PST
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John...
Nov 18, 2004 7:34AM PST

Have you tried AntiVir, do you know if it is any better than AVG 7.0 ?
Thanks
Larry

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Re: John...
Nov 18, 2004 9:23AM PST

No, I've only used the free AVG 6.0, the new free AVG 7.0, and Nortons AV 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, and 2004, with the only problem in any of those being with 'Live Update' this past January with NAV 2003.

The AntiVir program has been mentioned before in the Virus & Security Alerts forum and just today Mod Donna listed it as one of the free AV program. You might ask her about it.

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Larry...
Nov 18, 2004 10:15AM PST

I read it has no auto update feature... manual only.

Glenn

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Larry.....
Nov 19, 2004 3:00AM PST
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Re: Also, two other free AntiVirus programs
Nov 18, 2004 11:20PM PST

Avast, isn't free its demoware, good for 60days, I believe. Unless, I got a non-freeware version that what's installed in my system now(i want free too). As many AV pgms., demoware is common, so if a problem arises and needs a quick AV to supplement or in a crunch, there are versions to get. Just my 2-cents

good luck -----Willy

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Thanks Willy for the good info.....
Nov 19, 2004 2:34AM PST

Avast has been indicated at the Virus & Security Alerts forum as free for over a year. The Avast site is cryptic with their "Free Avast! 4 Home Edition. I had a somewhat difficult time at their site finding out that it is a 60 day FREE trial type demo. Through their site I was referred to:

http://www.freewarefiles.com/programs.php?ProgramID=2165&categoryid=9&subcategoryid=90
Scrolling down it stated:

"You will download a 60 days fully functional demo. You will obtain the FREE license key by E-mail after the registration at http://www.avast.com/i_kat_207.php?lang=ENG."

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Err.....Willy.......
Nov 19, 2004 3:31AM PST

After looking at CNet's download site, http://www.download.com
it indicates Avast is Free. They will normally indicate like "free to try, $___ to buy", but only say free for this home Avast.

Looking at the Avast download site:

http://www.avast.com/eng/down_home.html
It states:

"avast! 4 Home Edition Download

avast! Home Edition is now free of charge for HOME users for NON-COMMERCIAL use. You can find more info here. If you are not a home user or you use your computer for profit, you are asked to use the commercial version - avast! Professional Edition.

To use the Home Edition, you should register it. After the installation you have 60 days to do the registration. The registration process is very easy and will take you only a couple of minutes.

All the setup packages are in the form of self-extracting executables and are digitally signed by ALWIL Software"

I am going to download this 'free' Avast on my Win98se desktop PC that currently has the free AVG 7 and also register to see if it is free after 60 days, and also compare to AVG.

I have NSW with NAV on my WinXP desktop PC and very satisfied with it.

JR

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Re: Thanks Willy for the good info.....
Nov 19, 2004 8:11AM PST

"had a somewhat difficult time at their site finding out that it is a 60 day FREE trial type demo. Through their site I was referred to"
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

I know the feeling it seems Avast webpage is patchwork of this and that, confusing at best, downright unfriendly when you go from link to link. I go lost the first I tried a d/l, maybe clicked onto a demoware w/o realizing it. I feel intimadated to try again Sad but will after the 60day period or so. Thanks -----Willy

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Willy, just downloaded/installed Avast & a breeze...
Nov 19, 2004 8:59AM PST

very simple on my Win98se.

1. Uninstalled AVG7 throught Add/Remove and also search/delete to get leftovers, checking RegCleaner to be sure.

2. Downloaded Avast to 'save on disk' from
http://www.avast.com/eng/down_home.html

3. Went to
http://www.avast.com/i_kat_207.php?lang=ENG.
and registered to get a "key" numbers to validate for 14 months free usage, which you can register after that and get a new key. That 60 day demo is if you don't register within that 60 days to get the "KEY" numbers.
All the registration wanted was a valid email address and some sort of snail mail address.

4. After registration, Avast sent me a email giving the 'key' numbers with excellent simple instructions
on inserting the key + other very simple info/instructions.

5. OK, went to the downloaded Avast program that was "save to drive" on desktop and clicked the icon to install...very simple wizard to INSTALL on the computer.

6. Then followed the simple instructions on inserting the key.

7. They put a blue a-ball in your system tray...instructions on updating by right clicking the blue ball.

So, far I'm impressed with the free Avast, but just got it. For other comments look at the user comments at CNet download.com

http://www.download.com/3302-2239_4-10337351.html?tag=lst-0-1

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Re: Willy, just downloaded/installed Avast & a breeze...
Nov 19, 2004 11:19AM PST

I forgot to mention on some of the various systems(friends) I've installed the 2nd CD that came from MS update service pk.. It installs e-Trend's AV and firewall good for a year's trial. It a freebie for now and works just as well compared to other commerical pgms. out there. It's legal for the systems do need MS updates and the other s/w is a "on per trial basis". It's amazing to see users still surf the www w/o any protection and wonder why things happen. grrrr ----Willy

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Re: Also, two other free AntiVirus programs
Nov 21, 2004 6:28AM PST

Reply to all PC users actually. I have used as few so called "Free" or shareware AV programs...not smart...Free or share is free or share for a reason...think about it (beside the possible spy/ad ware problems). The cost of a good AV program is small insurance versus cost of some infections. Think about it. Protect your PC investment.

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Is free so bad? Don't read this article...
Nov 21, 2004 6:43AM PST
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Re: Also, two other free AntiVirus programs
Dec 1, 2004 2:12AM PST

Excluding the true worth of AV pgms. themselves, just about all available AV as trialware, demoware, and/or freeware are worth the testing period to try out. Most are supplied by the same companies offering full versions. The policy most supply as to why they offer demoware or trailware, etc. is because they feel the spread of any malware, virus, etc. is further stopped by those protected in some fashion then none at all. On top of online scans and the free offers, new systems supplying some s/we bundles are stuffed with some AV pgm. just to keep things going before a new users gets hit. So far, other than a minor glitch every now and then, those freebies have paid for themselves. Ironically, Norton's AV at times can be the most painful when it decides to hic-up, yet its the most popular or close to it. Silly So, don't discount those freebies...

good luck Grin -----Willy

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Re: Also, two other free AntiVirus programs
Nov 21, 2004 4:49AM PST

Installed Avast 2 weeks ago in one of the 4 PCs I keep running ( I always have at least 2 undergoing some incredibly slow overhaul or stupid MS operation which requires hand-holding ) and outside of the horn sound and recorded message telling me I've got a virus ( my blood pressure is down again finally ), it has worked quietly and effectively in the background unlike Norton ( 2 other PCs ) which keeps telling me to reboot on updates, flags every trojan ( killing IE in the process ), crashes periodically and never uninstalls without hours of registry and program files deletions. If Avast keeps me going for another month without aggravation and with a clean system, I'm sold.

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Re: AVG or Norton?
Nov 19, 2004 5:48PM PST
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Re: AVG or Norton?
Nov 19, 2004 10:18PM PST

I am sure this was already asked and I missed it, but I have Norton AV 2004 on my system (XP) already.
If I were to install AVG Free 7, would I need to un-install NAV first?

At this point NAV sets itself up at startup and scans my mail program (M2 / Opera 7.60) and whatever else.

I have not had any problems with it other then it is a hog and my interest browsing etc has slowed down immensely.

I have run NAV, Ad-Ware 6, SpyBot, SpyWare Blast...
Well you get the picture.
But still my refresh etc has slowed to a point where when I refresh my eBay page it takes 76 seconds.

I have switched over to Opera and it is better but different, and tends to slow at times also.
I have used Netscape Communicator 7.2 and have grown accustom to it over the years.
I live in an area that does not as of yet offer DSL (small phone company to small for competition).
So I only can get a dial-up connection, that requires I get popped 36 miles away to my ISP.

Thanks

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Re: AVG or Norton?
Nov 20, 2004 4:07AM PST

Yes, if you decide to change to AVG, you have to uninstall NAV first, although SOMETIMES I am told that is easier said than done. I also noticed that you use Ad-Aware 6 which is great BUT it is being phased out for the newest version whch is Ad-Aware SE (also free) so I would recommend visiting Lavasoft and downloading the new version. It checks more than Ad-Aware 6 does so don't be surprised if you find a lot of things on your first scan.
http://www.lavasoftusa.com/