Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

General discussion

Should I keep using Nortons Systemworks something else?

Jun 2, 2005 2:04AM PDT

I have always used Nortons System works and it time for me to update again. Is this the best?

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
I found it to be riddled with bugs Symantec never cured.
Jun 2, 2005 2:06AM PDT
- Collapse -
I've had no bugs. . .
Jun 2, 2005 3:52PM PDT

Since forever. I use it in my W98SE IBM web server (NSW-2003) and my two home built Win-XP machines (NSW-2005).

A clean machine is necessary from the start.

Now.

There may be a glitch when running Win-Me, but Me was a glitch to begin with.

- Collapse -
You used a better OS. And here's another bug in it.
Jun 2, 2005 9:48PM PDT

There's another bug that they didn't fix in other OSes. I can't explain why a bug is found and they don't fix it for years.

http://support.microsoft.com/?scid=320550 notes the GAPI32 issue. They have had years to correct this one and didn't.

Why?

Why I pan this software is because it costs many people to use it beyond the purchase price. Many will pay up 35 bucks to learn about the GAPI32 issue to Microsoft. It's not a bug in XP but an oversight by Symantec.

Bob

- Collapse -
Yes.
Jun 3, 2005 8:36AM PDT

I've used Symantec/Norton for many years without any problems. I've been using Systemworks 2005 for about 3 months now and like it. It's more user-friendly than previous versions. You are free to install only certain programs (e.g., I didn't install Norton Go Back -- a program which I understand can cause problems.).

They've added a new option that is pretty much like Tweakui for fine-tuning the PC settings, too.

Regarding the "bugs" posted in earlier messages regarding Systemworks 2002, I would note that the sites cited also provide relatively easy fixes for the user. Additionally, from the links posted, it does not appear that these "bugs" are critical or in any way cause damage to the end-user's computer (aside from adding a bunch of unnecessary files, which can be removed). Annoying, yes. Damaging, no. Something to consider; but not a critical deal breaker.

Overall, I haven't heard of another program with the same options and stability. I'd recommend the upgrade.

Brent

- Collapse -
Damaging? YES!
Jun 4, 2005 5:37AM PDT

The Windows ME bug and the Gapi (Windows XP) bug remained in the software years after discovery. While fixes may seem easy, far too many ended up taking the machine to a service shop for one to many hundred dollar repairs.

That's damage.

I pinned a Symantec person in a tradeshow booth on the Windows ME issue and the response was that it didn't affect many people. Given the number of people I helped fix that one, this answer seemed shallow and uncaring.

Bob

- Collapse -
A Chosen Few:Nortons Systemworks Premier 2005
Jun 6, 2005 4:44PM PDT

I really don't think you can go wrong with the purchase of Norton SystemWorks.One responce mentioned that you can if you wish tailor the experience that SystemWorks provides for by a custom re-install and with that I agree.It should be further noted that the 2005 issue provides two CD-Roms.One possessing Go-Back with help.This comment is being brought to you by a Brand New Inspiron 2200 Laptop-I purchased XP-Pro as the Modus-Operandi however, In an attempt to take this with me,I have ventured into the wireless domain plus I made an effort to protect myself through a series of third party software applications of which I chose NSW 2005 over the defaulted McAfee Suite.I wasn't dissapointed not because McAfee isn't all that it is suppose to be but because Norton SystemWorks has been a tried and true caretaker of my computing needs.This for many is like trying to put into words just how useful the NSW has proved to be even over the last 3 to 4 years.As an illustration when I had just started getting to know the Laptop which is still only a month old it was the utilized Nav that detected the presence of an infected file and subsequently went about alerting me of the quarantine and when I could get around to it,I went back into NSW through its options pull down menu and read more and more and then as a matter of course deleted the infected file.It was a very professional approach to a very serious problem.This is not a simple idea all that this asks however NSW has become more and more an integral part of this attempt to dissuade ignorance and provide a helping hand to the critical needs of our involvement with our computers.I think Norton SystemWorks is an excellent all around choice and I might even refer to Norton SystemWorks 2005 as great.There may not be its equal though to be certain there is competition.This opinion is unequivocal NSW 2005.

- Collapse -
RE: Nortons Systemworks
Jun 4, 2005 8:39AM PDT

Used NSW 2002 for three years with ME. Never any problems except Norton System Doctor was a serious resource hog!hog!hog! So I never used the Norton System Doctor. Besides, it wasn't even necessary.

But with XP it was a desaster. Perhaps because it was an old version (2002).