Grrr my norton as just expired?

Question

i bought a new computer 3 months ago and been using norton anti-virus/firewall protection that was already on my computer from the shop.

ive been really happy with it, but the suscription as just run out, i can still use it, but not protected against new threats.

i don't fancy paying £30 to renew it though, is there any tips?

Answer 1

For good, free and recommended security programs, please go here

http://www.webuser.co.uk/forums/showflat.php/Cat/0/Number/219333/an/0/page/0#219333

I recommend AVG as an anti virus, although eTrust's 12 month free trial is excellent (I'm using it and am extremely impressed).
If you need other programs, go for Zone Alarm firewall, AVG anti spyware (formerly Ewido) and SpywareBlaster.

If you click on the names in that list I gave you and it will take you to the official download site.

Please ensure that you keep them all updated for full protection and check for any updates when you first download them.

Answer 2

I used to run Norton and AVG provided by Grisoft (as previously mentioned by phy333 - interesting name - wonder what it means!) side by side on the same system.

I was having problems and after running updates on both I ran Norton - which reported no viruses. Immediately after I ran AVG - which found 4 viruses and fixed the problem.

I removed Norton and have used AVG for over 2 years since then without a hitch.

Answer 3

As an IT professional I would say Norton is very poor quality protection anyway - AVG is free and that's all I use, along with Windows Firewall.

Answer 4

Yes, but you will need to get rid of Norton from your machine!

First go to the Grisoft site!
Download AVG 7.5 Free edition, then AVG anti spy-ware.
These are FREE programs with all the updates FREE.
I recommend these as I use them all the time on my PC, and it works fine!
Get Symantec Norton removal tool from the WWW.(Master Geeks site)
Disconnect machine from the Internet!
Find Add /Remove from Control panel.
Remove all Norton files!
Using the Norton removal tool, remove every other Norton file on your PC!
Install AVG 7.5 anti virus, then AVG anti spy-ware, and then reconnect your PC to the Internet, and run the updates for the AVG programs, lastly run scans on your PC with both AVG programs!

Answer 5

Uninstall Norton and get another antivirus and another firewall.

I recommend Avast Antivirus and Zone Alarm Firewall. Both are free for personal use.

Answer 6

When our norton protection was almost up, the computer started ******* up .We kept getting reminders time was almost up.Coincidence,I think not.We uninstalled it went with another firewall protection and haven't had any problems since.I might be paranoid but I think Norton scares you into renewing their services.

Answer 7

I think this will work. Go to the activation page and choose one that says Activate by phone after that type 000000.... in the empty spaces only the three last numbers should be 999 if it works you'll get 2500 days! Good Luck (when you are doing this close your internet connection)

Answer 8

i hate norton

too intrusive and power hungry also prone to boot up problems when it fights itself following corruption.

firewall- if you are behind a router with a firewall then the free built in xp firewall is fine.

antivirus- used to recommend avast now recommend avast- totally free for personal use http://www.avast.com also periodically run fsecure's blacklight rootkit revealer

make sure you uninstall norton fully first

Answer 9

You can build a layered security suite with freeware;

You need to install one firewall.
The Windows firewall doesn't stop malware on your pc from dialling out.
http://www.zonelabs.com Zone Alarm firewall OR
http://www.comodogroup.com/ - Comodo firewall.

You need to install one anti virus;
http://free.grisoft.com/freeweb.php/doc/2/ -AVG anti virus or
http://www.avast.com - Avast Antivirus

You need all three anti spyware programs;
http://www.ewido.net - AVG(Ewido) anti trojan.
http://www.lavasoft.com - Ad-Aware SE Personal anti adware
http://www.safer-networking.org - Spybot Search and Destroy anti spyware. Use the Teatimer settings to protect Internet Explorer, and the Immuniser to stop malware getting on your pc.
Also use Microsoft Defender and their online scans.

And these are useful utilities;
http://www.mozilla.com/ - Firefox web browser.
http://www.ccleaner.com Cr*pcleaner Registry cleaner and privacy tool
Winpatrol is a handy utility that manages cookies on your pc and stops unwanted changes to your startup folder.
http://www.winpatrol.com
Spywareblaster works with Internet Explorer and Firefox. It won't uninstall spyware that is already on your pc, but it will prevent hijacks and other malicious changes to your browser.
http://www.javacoolsoftware.com
http://www.siteadvisor.com -MacAffee Site Advisor warns about malware on sites you are about to visit.

http://spywarewarrior.com/rogue_anti-spyware.htm - The Spyware Warrior site identifies fake anti spyware programs.
https://www.grc.com - Shields Up security site, check your firewall works.

Remember to update and run all of you anti malware programs at least once a week.

Answer 10

When my trial subscription runs out i always reformat my pc.It's a good idea to reformat every few months anyway as it keeps the pc running quickly.

I always send pics and files that i want to keep to an email account and pick them back up when i've completed the reformat.