Dump Norton and McAfee Anti-Virus? - Comments Page 3

A few years ago I got fed up with Norton AV. It was bloatware indeed. However, they have really turned things around lately. The program has been completely revamped and now is fast and effective. It consistently has come out in first place in the last two AV surveys published in PC World magazine but conducted by independent labs. I now have come back and renewed my allegiance to Norton 360, after having tried most of the other major paid suites (BitDefender, Eset, McAfee, Kaspersky). It is simply superb.

could not agree more take them off. I often wonder if Norton write viruses so people buy their product to get rid of them

I am using Norton Internet security 2011 and am happy with it. I find it is not a bloaty as many years ago and runs simply in the background

Was running McAfee on my Dell because it came with it 4 years ago. After about 2 years, it was slowing my machine to a crawl. I ditched it, tried a few freebies while researching others, and on the recommendation of a PC Mag columnist tried Norton Internet Security. It installed quickly, uses little resources, updates regularly, and in 2 years plus have had no major issues. Only had to use their support once (no charge) and I can find it for usually around $14-$15 for a single machine or around $20-$25 for multiple PCs. I don't think I will be switching anytime soon.

I agree - you don't need these programs anymore, I now use the free Microsoft program, not interrupted by dozens of warnings, plus a faster computer operation.I also agree that Norton's is a very difficult program to remove, it's almost a virus unto itself.

Some times ago, I was using Norton and when I wanted to uninstall it I had trouble. It did not uninstall and I had to re-install my operating system. Now I use the free Avast antivirus (version 6). Although I have been using it for a relatively short time, I'm satisfied with it. Very nice and user-friendly environment, not slowing down the system, good options including the choice to set a scan for the next time your Windows starts (to scan for viruses that begin their work at Windows start time). Exceptional as a "free" antivirus (so far at least!). It also has paid versions.

I used Nortons for years & kept using them out of loyalty for many years. However, when they just dumped winfax pro without any concern for their loyal customers; it was time to go. I used AVG for years, but have now switched to Microsoft security essentials. Since the switch, I have never had a virus in any of my computers. On the question of bloating; windows 7 would have to be classic example; talk about turning a good operating system like XP into crap - windows 7 is it.

I've used AVG free for more than 5 years and am very impressed. It updates easily and seamlessly regularly and I've had no problems with viruses. After a year or so of using the free version and finding it hassle-free (compared with Norton 5+ years ago) I tried to pay for the professional version because I am happy to pay for hassle-free protection. On trying to install the paid version of AVG I had many difficulties so reverted to the free version.

I've never used either, as I considered them both rubbish. Why anyone would pay to intentionally slow down their computer is beyond me? There is only ONE worthwhile antivirus program - NOD32.

I had endless problems with McAfee about 12 years ago and haven't touched it since.
As for Norton, I've heard so many horror stories from friends, I've always given it a wide berth.
I've used AVG in the past with no problems.
On my current computers I'm using Avast! I was so pleased with the free version, I recently took out a paid annual subscription.

I too used to use McAfee and didb't have any problems apart from the expense. I have been using Avast free edition for several years, it's great! I use WinPatrol [paid for]. My ISP [UK] provides McAfee for no extra cost, so I use their Firewall. I also use Smart Defrag [free] and Wise Registry Cleaner [also free]. The only time I have a problem with my pc, is with Microsoft updates being incompatible with something I am running.

Norton 360 comes FREE with my ISP (Comcast) and seems great. I have it installed on all 3 of my computers (a Vista 64bit, a Vista 32bit, and an XP 32bit) for Free for several years now. Never had a problem. I do quick scans 2 or 3 times a day after searching the net or using my e-mail. I am notified when a new version is available, and their "live update" provides the latest security updates. Also their scans run in the background finding and fixing "risks". I am a "happy computerer"

I have hated McAfee and Norton for many years. They both slow your computer down considerably, and they don't do a very good job with virus protection. The programs constantly tell you to update, even right after you update. I have met many people who asked me what other anti-virus programs are available and if I could switch their computers over. I use and recommend AVG Free, it works very well and even when it starts a scan on its own you barely even notice. It's not update happy and doesn't constantly ask you to upgrade to the pay version. Try it, I think you will like it.

Once you buy Norton, if you watch the sales (Fry's is good)you can get it free with proof of previous purchase. CR rates Norton at the top.
One can't complain about the cost of Norton.

Many years ago when I switched from Commodore 64 to a PC I used Norton for several years. I was able to upgrade fairly reasonably as it could usually be found at a discount somewhere.

As time went on it got more expensive and the free programs got better and were more available so I switched and have never looked back. Can't ever recall having a problem with the free versions.

Early on I also tried McAfee and that was a disaster.

I'm pretty paranoid about virus's and spyware so I run other protection programs besides. The anti-spyware types are also freeware except for one.

I totally agree with the article. I had Norton 6yrs ago and my PC got infected once and it was the last time I tolerated it. I called the Norton line and all they could do was push an upgrade $50 and an advanced technical support for another $30-40. I had purchased the Norton only 6 months prior to the infection. Since then I have heard most of my friends complaining of similar issues its almost as if THEY (Norton) had purposely infected my computer and theirs for the extra profit. Now I use AVAST (free) and I have not been infected for the last 4 yrs. I thank the hackers that brought that free software.

Protection comes with my cable internet provider. First McAffe, then Norton each slowed my computer down to a crawl! I use AVG Free, Spybot Free, and keep it clean with UniBlue Registry Booster and Periform CCleaner. Fast and fun. And to Bob Rankin, Thanks!

I have tried most of Norton Products, even 360 was not friendly enough. I tried McAfee, Kaspersky. I ended up with Eset. Now all PCs under my command run with EsetSmrtSecurty. Free? I am believer of "no free-lunch"

I started with McAfee in the Shareware days and when it was costing me $30 per computer, I quit. Having had experience with Norton on a corporate machine, I never willingly had it on a personal machine. I tried Microsoft Live and dropped it because it was so slow. PCTools was next and it did a McAfee, slower and more costly with the years. When I took the home machines up to Windows 7 this year, PCTools didn't even bother to have a 64k app and it was crashing on the 64k versions I had. Soo, no more PC tools. I have MCE right now and I'm looking at others. I don't mind paying for good products, but good is the operative word

Hi Bob,

A nifty little piece of software called "Revo Uninstaller" will remove all traces of any software, including Norton and McAfee. It also removes any leftovers found in the registry.

Kind regards,
Matthew