Is any internet security software essential?

Question

I'm pretty sick and tired of Norton Internet Security. It's always running and slowing down my laptop. How likely is it that a hacker will get into my computer if I don't have any firewalls or a virus will mess up my files if I don't have an antivirus software?

Answer 1

It's almost garunteed that you'll get a virus or some form of malware if you run your computer without protection. If you're looking for 'ligher' alternatives, try Avast Antivirus, or AVG. Windows default firewall is pretty good, so you can just use that. As for adware and spyware, try Ad-Aware and Spybot Search and Destroy. All of these are free, and a lot quicker than Norton, though they may not be as good. Personally, I use Norton on one computer and Avast on the other.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

I understand your problem. I had the same problems with McAfee virus protection on my laptop. And if I disabled it, the next time I wanted to run a scan, the program would not work unless I went through a long, detailed verification process. Yet, virus protection is essential these days. If you can depend on you yourself to run a virus scan regularly, I think you could be safe to remove Norton and find a program that YOU can control. I think Lava Soft has some good programs that run seamlessly and without interfering with your PC's performance. There are also user-friendly, trustworthy websites where you can visit on a regular basis for a full scan. I recommend PCPitstop.com.

Answer 4

Its absolutly CRITICAL! Its a MUST. Do you do regular maintinence? To keep your computer running smooth? Its like an oil change weekly, keeps it running slick. Do a ScanDisk and Defrag weekly, you'll be AMAZED at how much quicker it'll be.
Ya know, it could be time for more memory too. Do you have much that uses alot of memory? Look down at the icons next to the clock. There should only be your Norton, your volume, your wireless. Basically, thats it. Is there other stuff down there?Is it there when you boot up? If so, those programs are constantly running in your background, sucking up precious memory, instead of just being opened as you use them.
Do the weekly maintinence, clean out your internet options ( history/cache/recycle bin) then defrag. YES, Virus protection is a MUST. :)

Answer 5

If you dont like Norton get another software that does the job as

there are alot of viruses out and about these days.
For example the Trojen, this virus enters the computer and collects all you personal details (bank thins ect)and then they send another 1 in and get all yor details (well how much its stil used i am not certain but its still around

Alot of websites these days have virus but not hte big 1s ; )

So personaly recommend having some protection

i have this its great
www.spyware.com

Answer 6

Very likely. If you're on cable or DSL, an unprotected machine directly connected will be hacked within minutes by all the automated bots out there.

You need either a hardware firewall or software protection, there are plenty of alternatives to Norton (I agree it sucks).

Answer 7

★★ SECURITY SOFTWARE & TIPS ★★

◙ The very best virus scanners are free. Mcafee & Norton Antivirus are mostly hype and won't do as good as the free ones. -- About.com & Smart Computing Magazine

◙ Download and install AVG. Use it first and see if it finds any viruses or trojans.

☞ http://free.grisoft.com/doc/1

◙ After running AVG go here and run this virus scanner online. There is no need to install it on your computer.

☞ http://housecall.trendmicro.com/

◙ Microsoft's New Live Safety Center. Download this scanner to check and remove spyware, viruses, get rid of obsolete files and junk off your computer, and improve your PCs performance.

☞ http://safety.live.com/site/en-US/default.htm?s_cid=msep

◙ The Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool checks computers running Windows XP, Windows 2000, and Windows Server 2003 for infections by specific, prevalent malicious software?including Blaster, Sasser, and Mydoom?and helps remove any infection found. When the detection and removal process is complete, the tool displays a report describing the outcome, including which, if any, malicious software was detected and removed. You can run this tool online FREE.

☞ http://www.microsoft.com/security/malwareremove/default.mspx

◙ Best spyware remover is Ad Aware. Download and install the free version.

◙ http://www.lavasoft.de/software/adaware/

◙ Here is a wealth of information about fighting spyware and spyware producers. Join their free forum for answers to your questions. -- Smart Computing Magazine

☞ http://www.spywarewarrior.com/

◙ Before downloading email attachments in Gmail and Yahoo Mail click on the link that says, "Scan With Norton Antivirus".

◙ Before downloading any software from the internet type it into http://groups.google.com/ to see if that title is known for spyware or viruses. Google Groups has over 1 billion posts spanning 25 years to help you. Even after checking it there ALWAYS scan it before opening it. You just can't be too careful. -- Smart Computing Magazine

◙ A lot of the download sites like http://www.download.com/ and http://www.tucows.com/ scan software before releasing it to the public. But just for safety sake you should still scan it yourself.

◙ If you have a broadband modem or network router the firewall in these is not as effective as a software firewall. The firewall that comes with Windows XP isn't very good either. Download ZoneAlarm and your system will be a lot safer. -- Smart Computing Magazine

☞ http://www.zonealarm.com/

◙ Here is a really great article on browser hijacking. This will show you how to get rid of it. There is a tutorial and software to get rid of part of it. You'll need to make some changes to your computer's registry to get rid of the rest of it. Click on the chatroom link on their main page if you need help.

☞ http://www.spywareinfo.com/articles/hijacked/

◙ Here is Yahoo!'s Internet Security section.

☞ http://security.yahoo.com/

◙ Get more information at these PC Magazine Web sites.

☞ http://www.pcmag.com/
☞ http://www.smartcomputing.com/

◙ Top 100 Computer & Software Magazines.

☞ http://netvalley.com/top100mag.html

Answer 8

Yes, It is very important for your computer and your privacy. Here is reason;

There are numbers of thousands Adware/Spyware/Trojans that are infecting innocent Internet users such as yourself through downloadable games, music, screensavers, pictures, pop-ups, and the list goes on and on. Spyware and Adware can cause your PC to run extremely slow and even crash, and allow hackers and advertising companies to invade your privacy whenever they wish.

It is always better to have a software that can protect your computer and you. Adware/Spyware/Trojans are more dangerous, coz of the simple reason that they steal your information. Your banking account password is much more worthy to them than your computer.

You can remove spyware by using any reputated software such as, noadware software.

This software not only detect and remove spyware from your computer but also protect your personal information such as, Credit card number, banking account number.

You can download this software from this link and this software will help you to find any of infection from your computer.

Hit this link for downlaod:-

http://hop.clickbank.net/?install/noadware&mode=d

Answer 9

Man, it's not just because of the hackers, it's because of the viruses, too. They can get into your comp just because, and spoil it up. The damn viruses are on the internet almost anywhere, specially at not safety places and ads. So you better be aware of it and keep the antivirus. It's worth to have an antivirus and kill viruses than letting viruses kill your comp lol.

Answer 10

i read that a computer without anti-virus on it has a life expectancy of 20 minutes when connected to the internet. do the math and you will figure out that having a little speed issue is a lot cheaper than having to have it a repair shop.