If you think AV will save you, you're wrong. If you choose to install something, AV doesn't matter.
Dafydd.
Ratings of Norton vs others
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Ratings of Norton vs others
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If you think AV will save you, you're wrong. If you choose to install something, AV doesn't matter.
Dafydd.
Norton is listed as Symantec in this AV-Comparatives recent detection test;
Real-World Protection Test
https://www.av-comparatives.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/avc_factsheet2017_03.pdf
Of course, other test parameters are also included on other tests at their site. Here's a link to their home page:
https://www.av-comparatives.org/
Hope this helps.
Grif
The modern threats are not blocked by most of them. And I've had folk "follow the install instructions" in something they torrented that read "turn off the AV to install."
The best protection is still you.
I currently have Norton a.v. but am considering dropping my subscription. My current laptop is a Mac, and I now use my desktop (running XP Pro) only for emails which I get from Microsoft Live by logging in on the web. My browser is Google Chrome. My desktop is old, loaded with legacy apps, and I cannot upgrade my Microsoft a.v. protection any more since XP is no longer supported.
If I do not click on any unsolicited links on my desktop, what level of risk would I be at if I drop the Norton subscription?
The recent worm was also in emails and would automatically run and infect the PC. So sad but true you need something today.
That said I'm using the fully patched up Windows 10 and its own Defender. To beef up the browser security I'm using Ublock Origin and testing another security addon.
OK, I've been paying for Norton a.v. for several years now. Last renewal was June 2016. I've checked Norton website to see how to tell if the a.v. is active, and they say to load the Norton (Symantec) panel and look at the status field. But I cannot find any such panel; using search, I bring up about 20 Norton files but none is a shortcuts or a panel. In fact, most are older than 2014.
I switched to Google Chrome as my preferred web browser in 2014. Is it possible that even though I've been paying for new subscriptions, since I am not downloading them through M.S. Windows, they are not being installed? And therefore, I have no active a.v. software?
Look in the lower right corner of your computer to see the system tray icon for Norton. That's where you should be able to bring up the Norton panel. You can also look in the Windows Control Panel-Action Center to determine if an antivirus is activated and running. On my Windows 10 comp, I simply type "Security and Maintenance" in the search line on the bottom task bar, hit Enter, then click on the drop down arrow next to "Security" to see if my antivirus is operational.
If it's not there, then why not uninstall Norton completely, (Remember to use the Norton Removal Tool after performing the standard uninstall from the Control Panel)then use something else like the free Windows Defender, Avira, or Avast?
Hope this helps.
Grif
Post was last edited on May 17, 2017 4:07 PM PDT
Grif: nothing in the tray. I also had tried scanning the "start" menu and the control panel for relevent subtopics. Nothing anywhere.
Here's what troubles me about trying to download Defender et al. As soon as I try to access Microsoft's downloads, I will get a warning that my O.S. is out of date and don't I want to upgrade? And the answer is, no I don't want to upgrade my O.S., I just want to add an a.v. app.
Since my portal to the web/internet is now Google Chrome, doesn't Google provide an a.v. that will recognize the Google browser on my pc and happily download?
There are other free antivirus programs that can easily be used. Here, I use Avira, but Avast is a good one also. It's your choice.
Here's the direct download link for Avira's latest free version.:
Note: Clicking on the link below will immediately bring up the download dialogue window.
http://install.avira-update.com/package/antivirus/win/en-us/avira_antivirus_en-us.exe
Hope this helps.
Grif
Post was last edited on May 17, 2017 8:06 PM PDT
If norton is active you must remove it before loading another av.
In the control panel is there an
Action center/security center?
Add/remove?
Programs and features?
I've looked in the Add/Remove Programs panel and there is no program with Norton or Symantec in its name. Which just confirms, I don't have Norton a.v. installed, despite having been paying for it for several years. I used to, I remember setting the different options in their panel, but no more.
But just in case, always run the Norton Removal tool. Link follows.
https://support.norton.com/sp/en/us/home/current/solutions/v60392881_EndUserProfile_en_us
I can't see from the discussion so far what you want to use here. While I use Defender, my OS is all patched up, I added some browser security and don't torrent or download anything today except from my known sites like Ninite.com.
Ninite.com has a few free antivirus offerings which are free if you like.
but what puzzles me is that it used to be installed, and I never (intentionally) uninstalled it. Am trying as I write here on my laptop to install avira.
If this was my machine I would get it done in 2 steps.
1. Clean off Norton with the tool noted.
2. Go get Avira at https://ninite.com/
Why Ninite? Well it's al too easy to use and this:
Read https://www.howtogeek.com/201354/ninite-is-the-only-safe-place-to-get-windows-freeware/
Thanks Bob_B. It used to, but no longer. See the system requirements below:
https://www.avira.com/en/support-for-home-knowledgebase-detail/kbid/1756
Try Avast instead.
Sorry again.
Grif
As of this morning: tried to run Norton uninstall, got a fatal error. Did install Avira but now have lost my Netgear adapter and Canon printer connections. Have tried to uninstall and reinstall each, no success. At the moment am connected to internet via ethernet cable, so still have email. Is there a link to uninstall Avira?
For the long term, I'll be getting a new desktop.
I worry you are installing one of those SUITES that include a firewall.
I run into a lot of folk that install a firewall then tell me the WiFi printer and more fails. Well, that's a firewall for you as you must allow connections.
-> True story. Owner installed a suite+firewall, set it to maximum protection. No internet, no TV, as primitive as can be. (three hour tour.)
What OS is this?
The OS was not up front but down a few.
Help others help you. Make it easy. Make it hard and they will get the wrong message.
Here's the link and be sure to use the Avira Registry Cleaner mentioned in the article:
https://www.avira.com/en/support-for-home-knowledgebase-detail/kbid/902
Hope this helps.
Grif