Norton AV from Yahoo slowed my system down. Dont trust freeware - is there any better alternative out there ?

Question

Because its free im assuming theres a catch to freeware AV and Spyware

Answer 1

Try AVG works great

Answer 2

Uhm afraid of catches eh? IMHO, i've used freeware AV, but didn't have any catches. I use AVG (free version, but you can always purchase the Home Edition, or Commercial Edition) for my anti-virus, spy-bot search and destroy and CCleaner. All are free and safe from spyware, and you're free to donate a few measly dollars to help them maintain there products.

However, here's a list of commercially available, yet stable products for you to use:

Kaspersky anti virus
Spy-Sweeper
Bit-Defender Firewall
Trend Micro-Systems (PCCillin) AV

They're cheap, but powerful.

Ciao

Answer 3

I use, and highly recommend Norton, and I know that it will slow down your computer, but you can shorten the startup time and keep Norton by just limiting the amount of startup programs in Windows (do you really need Quicktime or any other extra software to take up startup time?) You can do that in msconfig (Start > Run and type 'msconfig') and uncheck some unnecessary programs from the startup tab, and that disables the applications from starting up with Windows without uninstalling them.

This site gives you a good idea on what programs to uncheck

http://www.castlecops.com/StartupList.html

Answer 4

Trust AVG from Grisoft. Used it for years no problems at all. The now have a free anti spam programme too.

Answer 5

Norton is notoriously slow. I've seen people being disappointed with their newly purchased computer because it was so slow, to have them jumping for joy after I removed Norton AV from it. STAY AWAY.

Instead, use AVG, which you can download here: http://free.grisoft.com/doc/1

Answer 6

As far as I am aware Yahoo dont supply Norton AV
I think you must be confused

Symantec AV (ex Norton) is very good and will not noticably slow your system down

Answer 7

Protect your PC from both known and unknown virus attacks, spyware, Trojan horses and malware with AOL's free anti-virus software, Active Virus Shield. This comprehensive anti-virus software installs quickly, works fast, always stays on and updates automatically every hour. Plus, it takes traditional virus scanning methods and combines them with advanced technology to help detect and protect against malicious programs that can infect your PC and important files before they are infected
www.activevirusshield.com, where you can download the product and register with an e-mail address and download the free antivirus software. An activation code will be send to the email address you provide. This activation code will fully enable your free version of AOL Active Virus Shield.

Answer 8

Avast! is good, and the downloadable home version is free and totally reliable. I know a few people who've used it for a long time and had no problems.

Answer 9

computer associates is a good anti virus programme