Norton Internet Security 2007

[gringopig]

Hi friends...

I've been testing out various alternatives to Zonealarm Pro recently as a result of my frustration at its inability to handle P2P applications (uTorrent specifically). I've tried Kaspersky (will those alerts NEVER end?), Bitdefender Anti-Virus Plus (Ho-Hum - made me feel nervous), Norton 360 (nice for granny!), Comodo Firewall Pro (couldn't figure out the port forwarding, so gave up), Sygate Firewall Pro (broken, dead and so so out of date. The wee alerts, unbidden and uncontrolled were too much) and finally Norton Internet Security 2007.
Running contrary to popular mythology, this latest incarnation is far from the Norton bloatware of the past and is very lean and easily the lightest 'suite' I tried.
My post is just FYI concerning its integration with SD 5.0.0.205: there was a noticeable problem with running these two together until I activated the 'kernel compatibility' option. Both seem to co-exist happily now.

I am loathe to give up on Spyware Doctor as it has been gaining so many favourable reviews of late and beat Spy Sweeper hands down in this month's U.K. publication PCAnswers test. I have tested all the firewall/AV solutions with Spyware Doctor as my prime concern is compatibility.
So, a tip for those Norton-haters out there - they've listened and I can report from personal experience that both Norton 360 and Internet Security 2007 are vastly improved upon and easily the lightest AIO solutions out there.

Just use kernel compatibility with Spyware Doctor!
:-)

[Cutter]

I hated the look of 07 and didn't like the fact you can't scan single files, still on nis06 with no problems with swd5, i don't care what people say about norton it's amazing for me, i know what you mean about kas i soon got rid of that.

Cutter.

[_Michelle_]

Im also running SD with Norton and they are playing nicely together :D

[tom.tdw]

you are forgeting one thing...
norten only detects 66% of viruses
the free version of antivir can detect 92% and kaspersky detects a whopping 98%

norten may no longer be bloatware but it is certainly uselessware in my eyes:D
Hi friends...

I've been testing out various alternatives to Zonealarm Pro recently as a result of my frustration at its inability to handle P2P applications (uTorrent specifically). I've tried Kaspersky (will those alerts NEVER end?), Bitdefender Anti-Virus Plus (Ho-Hum - made me feel nervous), Norton 360 (nice for granny!), Comodo Firewall Pro (couldn't figure out the port forwarding, so gave up), Sygate Firewall Pro (broken, dead and so so out of date. The wee alerts, unbidden and uncontrolled were too much) and finally Norton Internet Security 2007.
Running contrary to popular mythology, this latest incarnation is far from the Norton bloatware of the past and is very lean and easily the lightest 'suite' I tried.
My post is just FYI concerning its integration with SD 5.0.0.205: there was a noticeable problem with running these two together until I activated the 'kernel compatibility' option. Both seem to co-exist happily now.

I am loathe to give up on Spyware Doctor as it has been gaining so many favourable reviews of late and beat Spy Sweeper hands down in this month's U.K. publication PCAnswers test. I have tested all the firewall/AV solutions with Spyware Doctor as my prime concern is compatibility.
So, a tip for those Norton-haters out there - they've listened and I can report from personal experience that both Norton 360 and Internet Security 2007 are vastly improved upon and easily the lightest AIO solutions out there.

Just use kernel compatibility with Spyware Doctor!
:-)

[gringopig]

You might be right there actually. I installed a program yesterday which gave me a trojan: vbstub.exe and system.exe were installed to my Windows folder. Kaspersky on my Vista environment found it - I reinstated the threats and went back to XP. Nothing came up on the scan with Norton but Spyware Doctor found it quickly in an Intelli-scan.

More kudos to PCTools!

[Cutter]

you are forgeting one thing...
norten only detects 66% of viruses
the free version of antivir can detect 92% and kaspersky detects a whopping 98%

I always do tests with norton, i guess if you look at stupid sites you'll pick up viruses, i've tested norton against loads of other products to make sure nothing has leaked through, i haven't had a virus in about 2 years, plus kaspersky looks rubbish, norton never given me any problems, when it does i'll look else where, currently testing nis08 looks great.

Cutter.

[Myrm]

you are forgeting one thing...
norten only detects 66% of viruses...

What a load of rubbish! I have used Norton for almost 10 years now and it has never failed to find a virus, even when competing against other virus checkers.

Norton 360 is the best antivirus/Internet Security package I have used.

[Cutter]

Norton 360 is the best antivirus/Internet Security package I have used.

Wait till you see 08, there's loads of great features if you use vista, i know it's only in beta but i really can't wait for the full version to come out, they've made it alot easier and cleaner to use.

Cutter

[zoofbar]

you are forgeting one thing...
norten only detects 66% of viruses
the free version of antivir can detect 92% and kaspersky detects a whopping 98%

What independent companies results are you getting this information from. Do your homework and check some reputable companies that specialise in PC security testing. INFACT... NIS2007 is only beaten on detection (and slightly only in some areas) by NOD32. As to being bloat ware, that was in the past, consumers had shown Symantec the light.

Also check the link at Kapersky site to (http://www.kaspersky.com/news?id=207575529) which has a review http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,130869/article.html

it shows it only just beat Nortons but did have a higher false positive hit rate, but both very minute difference.

Please make your own informed decision instead of regurgitating other Zealots rhetoric from a past product that was indeed.. Bloatware, it gets a little old.

Btw, I am a NOD32 user but have tested NIS2007 very extensively and was very pleased with the changes that have been made over NIS2005 and NIS2006. I cant talk about 360 but i have heard also commendable results as well.

[tom.tdw]

i've seen the beta and frankly all of the new features are standerd in other security suites (best used by zonealarm but also present in mcafee) and also avalable in free programs (vista and mcaffe (which got an equilly feible 68% in the latest test) have network mapping, many programs provide much better equivelents to sonar and nortens spyware detection is virtually nonexistant so it's weak effots at kelogger stopping are bound to fail sadly (if a keylogger uses screenshot it will be able to get all your passwords in one go from norten encription or not))

as for proformance, kaspersky uses less resources than norten (any version). and as for the interface, i think that detection rates are much more importent.

to sum up the only resion i'm not using kaspersky (i have a license) is my loyalty to pctools SD w AV (once my free upgrade weares out i will switch)

[Cutter]

Norton spyware is rubbish, which is why were all here it makes sence ;)

Other wise it's perfect imho, try it out, stop reading so much, I can find reports on just about any software, one saying it's great another saying it's rubbish, that's the internet for you, I only go on my experience.

Cutter.

[Josh84]

Of all the above the best i'd say is AVG coz its got one of the best database's...........well to me it seem so. it detected a trojan named temp.exe and it variants tat norton cud'nt, well norton did detect it but din remove it but AVGIS removed it. Tho norton was bad with the older versions, its getting better with NIS'07. Some corporates still use the old NAV '05, god knows why.

NOD32 which has THE best installation. Insatallaion is just amazing. NOD32 has the least time to insatall and uninstall. Unlike Norton which takes minutes and even hours to complete an installation or Uninstallation. Again NOD32 has a better real time scan engine. No need to mention the detection ration compared to NORTON.

Zone alarm which is a good Firewal has a better hold on the inbound and outbound traffics compared to silly dumb windows firewall.

Outpost Pro firewall ( he's one cute son of a *****......lol ) which is the best firewall tat i've come across so far. It creaates rules by itself reducing the time for the user to create one. oh oh and prevents access by any other programmes to its files. Gosh ! it doesn't allow SD to scan it files. C'mon, how good is tat. infact nothing can can infiltrate it files......cool....huh !

OF all the above the most resources used is by NORTON.

check for more info -> www.josh84.blogspot.com

[Cutter]

Sorry Josh84 I didn't understand alot of that, what does din, cud'nt, tat, sorry, I find it hard to listen to any of that, I understood the last bit about Norton being a resource hog, that's really old news, your looking into the 2005 version and bellow, you need to keep up to date and try there newer software, which isn't to say any other software is worse, norton is just cleaner than any other software i've seen, which over the course of about 5yrs has never let me down.

Anyway we could go on all day, this is good this is rubbish, when you look at it, we all like what we like, do we really care what others like, personally I don't, I know Norton is top class, each to there own.

Cutter.

[tom.tdw]

i HAVE tryed norten (came with my computer) and i found that although it didn't noticably drain resources it also failed to detect anything

also it lacked advanced options/tools such as boottime scans and URL blocking (avast uses both to great effect)

+ the antiphasing toolbar was REALLY annoying

i might try norten again via VNC but i'm not overly optimistic:(

i myself like outpost but can't run it due to vista Norton spyware is rubbish, which is why were all here it makes sence ;)

Other wise it's perfect imho, try it out, stop reading so much, I can find reports on just about any software, one saying it's great another saying it's rubbish, that's the internet for you, I only go on my experience.

Cutter.

[Cutter]

I'm not saying your wrong tom.tdw I mean the 2005 version what on earth was that all about, I didn't like 2007 even but if your going to format vista anytime soon, before you do just give the 2008 beta a quick run out, it really looks as if Symantec are doing something right, the one thing I don't like about Symantec that other companies do is being able to download the latest version of older versions, I had to email for the updated version of 2006 which I feel should have been listed on there site to download, the disk version I have is about 2yrs old.

[InvisibleMan]

Fellow PC Tools/SW Doctor fans,

I have apprx. 3 weeks left on my subscription. I've kept SD5 off my old clunker since its' debacled debut in March. I'll be upgrading this old PC's RAM to its' max (don't ask...LOL) this week, and if PC Tools gets their recalled new version back up and running...I'll be a paying beta tester one last time...and, we'll see what happens.

I work for a major international media giant's subsidiary, and noticed that among their anti-malware defenses are software names that some of you criticize (from your personal experiences...?...I understand).

In the meantime, check out PC Magazine's review of Norton 360 here: http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,2101130,00.asp

Overall, the reviewer seems pleased, but consider some of the users' comments at the bottom of the review (?).

As I have learned from your postings on the PC Tools/SD Forum, the issues frequently have to do with individual Operating Systems. I'll retire my system and upgrade my life when Vista-64 becomes the norm. (How long will that be?) By that time, Vista-128 will be in its' early stages, if it isn't already...by another name. (The manufacturers will always keep that new carrot just beyond reach!)

And, this is related to the PC Tools Forum in as much as many of us run (or have run) several anti-malware programs along with SD 4 or 5, simultaneously.

Good luck y'all.

[Reodor]

Could someone please guide me to th PC Tools forum I think I've ended at the wrong place?:rolleyes:

But as an 'off topic' remark: Detection rate, cleaning, on-guards aside - NO application can beat the entertainment and challenge of running SD V5. Which other app gives You the opportunity to every no and then un-install , clean your comp - re-install and reboot like PC Tools SD V5?:D

[gringopig]

I found that Norton Internet Security 2007, far from being the 'bloatware' of yore, actually is lighter on resources than the combination of Zonealarm Pro and Symantec Corp Ed AV: considerably so in fact.

The pertinence to this board is that it integrated well with Spyware Doctor, especially in kernel compatibility mode. I did find that after a few days, my system tray had been munched and a few icons were missing and I couldn't get them back. This is the only problem I found with this combination other than the SD GUI always 'starting' on occasion. I had to allow individual components in the firewall permissions (sdloader esp.) to get it to work. I went back and put on SD 4.1 instead due to these trivial niggles and now await the new build.

I have to say that Norton missed a threat that SD 5.0 picked up pronto monto in an 'intelli-scan'.

[The PIT]

What a load of rubbish! I have used Norton for almost 10 years now and it has never failed to find a virus, even when competing against other virus checkers.

Norton 360 is the best antivirus/Internet Security package I have used.


You're probably riddled with stuff then. Stopped using Nortons years ago and since then I've seen nothing to make me change my mind. Lost count of the number of machines riddled with spyware and Viri and Nortons sitting there quite happily blissfully unaware of any problems.

The latest Lab tests I ve seen put Nortons 2007 well down on the detection lists. Norton 360 is supposed to be better though. Nortons 2007 on XP handles uses less resources than previously while on Vista it's still a mess.

My own advise is keep clear.

[Cutter]

Nortons 2007 on XP handles uses less resources than previously while on Vista it's still a mess.


What do you expect, vista is new, alot of companies take about a year to sort it out, pc tools is one of them, there not the only ones.

[swannie]

Could someone please guide me to th PC Tools forum I think I've ended at the wrong place?:rolleyes:

But as an 'off topic' remark: Detection rate, cleaning, on-guards aside - NO application can beat the entertainment and challenge of running SD V5. Which other app gives You the opportunity to every no and then un-install , clean your comp - re-install and reboot like PC Tools SD V5?:D

Yes, it certainly is fun! And then, best of all, you can GET IT OUT OF YOUR SYSTEM at the forum.

[Myrm]

You're probably riddled with stuff then.

Nonsense! There are no viruses on my pc. However, just to keep you naysayers happy I have installed AVG, PCTOOLS AV, and Iolo, all of which I have used in the past, and tested them again against Norton 360. Guess what - yes, a clean pc! :) Obviously Norton 360 is doing its job well enough.

[socrfan]

Norton spyware is rubbish, which is why were all here it makes sence ;)

Cutter.

Not according to PC Magazine.

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1759,2023974,00.asp

[Cutter]

Not according to PC Magazine.

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1759,2023974,00.asp

I should have mentioned I’m using 06, Norton gets rid of serious serious cases of spyware with 06 no way near as good as swd, I can't really comment on 07 I didn't really like how it was set up, may have got better, but I don't think I’d get rid of spyware doc as a back up, 08 is about the same, just alot faster, can't wait to test the full version of that on vista, I haven't run spyware doctor and nis08 (beta) together but I’ll test out the free version on Monday see how they both get on.

Cutter

[Myrm]

Norton 360 gets good reviews from the same magazine too :)

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1759,2101117,00.asp

[cooldude7273]

Sorry, but this has to be asked:

tom.tdw, are you an IDIOT?

Norton has one of the best detection rates out there. 66% is complete made up bull****. Who told you that?

If you look at reputable sources (think: PC Magazine) you will see that in comprehensive and professional testing (and done by whatever that independent organization was that tested tons of clients against some hundreds of thousands of viruses) Norton is always one of the top contenders - and often an "Editors Choice."

I'm assuming your statistic came from an anti-Norton fanboy?

By the way, the phishing toolbar in IE can be disabled in two clicks. (literally, two clicks)

Try to wise up before you make a fool out of yourself again, eh?

[fastharry]

2 of the best decisons I've made in recent months......



dropped version 5 spyware.......(after several years of being a LOYAL PC TOOLS customer)
installed norton 360........



Pc has never run faster,smoother,or more aggravation free........

[gringopig]

Fastharry, I would advise that, in addition to Norton 360, you keep SD 5.0 or 4.1 running in real-time. Norton products have jumped up considerably in my estimation but my formula of: Norton360+Spyware Doctor=Kaspersky is one I'll recommend. The Norton detection engine is shared across products and it missed one for me - Spyware Doctor 5.0 (at the time) picked it up!

[Myrm]

I love Norton 360, it is by far the most effective product of its kind I have used, and my pc runs so much faster with it than with any NIS product in the past.

I have only two moans about it;

1. You cannot scan single files

2. Unlike NIS, you cannot "block all (internet) traffic" when you wish.

Other than that; NORTON IS THE BEST.

Virus detection rate of only 66%? - male cow poo! :)

[tom.tdw]

the 66% (sorry 68% actually) is from the latest pcpro review (using live malware samples from message labs), the free edition of antivir got 92% and kaz got 98% (norten beat mcafee, onecare and panda)

i haven't tryed the beta yet (i will try it sonn via logmein) but i doubt it will be able to fare half as well as kaspersky

dispite this norten is popular due to the simple UI

[fastharry]

I love Norton 360, it is by far the most effective product of its kind I have used, and my pc runs so much faster with it than with any NIS product in the past.

I have only two moans about it;

1. You cannot scan single files

2. Unlike NIS, you cannot "block all (internet) traffic" when you wish.

Other than that; NORTON IS THE BEST.

Virus detection rate of only 66%? - male cow poo! :)


I asked Norton about scanning a single file when I download it,or whatever....

Ckeck out one of the links they gave me...

http://service1.symantec.com/support/norton360.nsf/docid/2006041413360275

[fastharry]

Fastharry, I would advise that, in addition to Norton 360, you keep SD 5.0 or 4.1 running in real-time. Norton products have jumped up considerably in my estimation but my formula of: Norton360+Spyware Doctor=Kaspersky is one I'll recommend. The Norton detection engine is shared across products and it missed one for me - Spyware Doctor 5.0 (at the time) picked it up!



nothing would please me more to be part of the PC TOOLS family again....but alas,though I might be for it....my PC has spoken,and enjoys the freedom of faster page loading,not crashing or locking up,AND,the added bonus that Virtual RC actually runs on it now since norton 360 isn't the system hog that SD was..(and still is,I imagine)....

[Myrm]

I asked Norton about scanning a single file when I download it,or whatever....

Ckeck out one of the links they gave me...

http://service1.symantec.com/support/norton360.nsf/docid/2006041413360275

Thanks, Fastharry.

Interesting link.

[socrfan]

Norton 360 gets good reviews from the same magazine too :)

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1759,2101117,00.asp

True. I've been using 360 since it came out and have had good luck with it. Acutally there isn't much difference between 360 and NIS besides the interface. I remember a time that I wouldn't have touched Norton products with a ten foot mouse cord but their products have really improved.:)

[tom.tdw]

norten has improved greatly but i still wouldn't trust it on my computer

detection wise there are much more efficent free products (but none with interfaces as flashy as norten)

[Xombie]

*Whips out the latest issue of PC User*
If you're looking for p2p protection, try avast! 4 Home Edition (http://www.avast.com/) with its dedicated p2p guard.

Atm I use Kaspersky which, in my opinion, is the best suite out there. Yes, you have to deal with many popups, but the protection is second to none.

Based on my prior experience with Symantec products, mainly NIS2006, and their less-than-stellar customer support, I will never again buy anything branded with "Norton." But that's just me.

[tom.tdw]

even with special guards p2p is still a minefield

in my opinion the only safe way is to use a sandbox:) *Whips out the latest issue of PC User*
If you're looking for p2p protection, try avast! 4 Home Edition (http://www.avast.com/) with its dedicated p2p guard.

Atm I use Kaspersky which, in my opinion, is the best suite out there. Yes, you have to deal with many popups, but the protection is second to none.

Based on my prior experience with Symantec products, mainly NIS2006, and their less-than-stellar customer support, I will never again buy anything branded with "Norton." But that's just me.

[Myrm]

even with special guards p2p is still a minefield

in my opinion the only safe way is to use a sandbox:)

Wrong! The only safe way is not to turn the pc on at all :p

[tom.tdw]

i may format soon (due to driver problems), i'll give norten a go soon

[tom.tdw]

i've now tryed norton (via vertual system, it's gone for good now), and big suprise it totally mucked up safari, my CPU and i don't know what else. the interface was totally irrisponcive and over simplistic (most of the worth changing settings were hidden).

it looked good though:D

[gringopig]

i've now tryed norton (via vertual system, it's gone for good now), and big suprise it totally mucked up safari, my CPU and i don't know what else. the interface was totally irrisponcive and over simplistic (most of the worth changing settings were hidden).

it looked good though:D

It mucked up yr CPU??? Jebus, that Norton is powerful medicine. LOL!!!

Remember, Norton 360 is for Granny. NIS 2007 is for people who like to tinker (port forwarding rules etc etc) but are not so geeky that they spend 24/7 checking out leak test results...

Anyway, I'm beginning to regret starting this thread. I was making a point about the integration of Spyware Doctor with another security application.

[vecchio]

you are forgeting one thing...
norten only detects 66% of viruses
the free version of antivir can detect 92% and kaspersky detects a whopping 98%

norten may no longer be bloatware but it is certainly uselessware in my eyes:D
hello Tom
do you have Avast percentage?
thanks

[tom.tdw]

avast only detected 70% of malware (i was supprised myself, i use it on one pc and it detected a LOT of malware even kaspersky missed, i bet they didn't bother to do a boottime scan)

the reviews are here:
http://www.pcpro.co.uk/labs/155/antivirus-software/products.html

[debls]

Had a chuckle yesterday regarding Norton. I went to see The Bourne Ultimatum (good movie by the way).
At one point Jason Bourne is on a computer and you get a big clear shot of GOOGLE. Then I believe this is a different scene where he gets on a computer again and up comes the big as life bright yellow NORTON screen telling you that your system is safe. Wonder what they paid for that marketing.

[vecchio]

avast only detected 70% of malware (i was supprised myself, i use it on one pc and it detected a LOT of malware even kaspersky missed, i bet they didn't bother to do a boottime scan)

the reviews are here:
http://www.pcpro.co.uk/labs/155/antivirus-software/products.html

tom
i can assure you that in my tests, avasthas found more virus / malware than kaspersky, this is the reason i have using avast, personally I prefer use a program and verify if it works well in my system. but please note, i know some rankings are very good

[tom.tdw]

in my experence i have also found avast relyable (i bet the reviewers only did a normal scan and didn't bother to use components such as bootime scan which would have removed a lot more malware)

also dispite what the reviewers said the interface is one of the best i've seentom
i can assure you that in my tests, avasthas found more virus / malware than kaspersky, this is the reason i have using avast, personally I prefer use a program and verify if it works well in my system. but please note, i know some rankings are very good

[debls]

Just read this article about Norton's AV. Very critical flaw(s) in it. The grass isn't always greener on the other side. Here's the link:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/pcworld/20070809/tc_pcworld/135770

[Cutter]

Just read this article about Norton's AV. Very critical flaw(s) in it. The grass isn't always greener on the other side. Here's the link:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/pcworld/20070809/tc_pcworld/135770

What software hasn't had flaws if only everything was perfect, they sorted it quick enough which says something, btw were using microsoft products ;)

Cutter.

[zoofbar]

Just read this article about Norton's AV. Very critical flaw(s) in it. The grass isn't always greener on the other side. Here's the link:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/pcworld/20070809/tc_pcworld/135770



....doesnt cover the 2007 version.. qoute from the article.

"The bug affects users of the 2006 versions of Norton AntiVirus, Norton Internet Security and Norton System Works. Norton Internet Security 2006, Anti Spyware Edition is also affected."

So its not the current version.. just an FYI.

[tom.tdw]

still, a lot of people use older versions....doesnt cover the 2007 version.. qoute from the article.

"The bug affects users of the 2006 versions of Norton AntiVirus, Norton Internet Security and Norton System Works. Norton Internet Security 2006, Anti Spyware Edition is also affected."

So its not the current version.. just an FYI.

[Cutter]

Btw it has all been sorted through updates, so the point of the story is, there is no point lol.

Lemme just show you some other programs that have the same problems, every company has them, it isn't big news:

Kaspersky:flaw 'opens back door'
http://news.zdnet.co.uk/security/0,1000000189,39225777,00.htm

Firefox: phishing vulnerability discovered
http://news.zdnet.co.uk/security/0,1000000189,39183106,00.htm

Panda: How to Remain Vulnerable Even If You Have Protection
http://news.softpedia.com/news/Panda-Antivirus-Or-How-To-Remain-Vulnerable-Even-If-You-Have-Protection-62311.shtml

I can go on with just about every company out there, so really means nothing ;)

Cutter.

[Reodor]

Btw it has all been sorted through updates, so the point of the story is, there is no point lol.

Lemme just show you some other programs that have the same problems, every company has them, it isn't big news:

Kaspersky:flaw 'opens back door'
http://news.zdnet.co.uk/security/0,1000000189,39225777,00.htm

Firefox: phishing vulnerability discovered
http://news.zdnet.co.uk/security/0,1000000189,39183106,00.htm

Panda: How to Remain Vulnerable Even If You Have Protection
http://news.softpedia.com/news/Panda-Antivirus-Or-How-To-Remain-Vulnerable-Even-If-You-Have-Protection-62311.shtml

I can go on with just about every company out there, so really means nothing ;)

Cutter.

I sincearly hope that the Firefox and Kaspersky problems are sorted out, those reports were dated 2005!;)

[debls]

I fully realize that my 'news' was not unusual and not limited to Norton. Agree totally that flaws are not unusual which is fine. Time it takes to correct them speaks ill or well of a company.
I am really just trying to become a 'trusted advisor' :D and had not had much to say lately. I remembered the Norton thread and spotted the article so figured what the heck.
I'm not even an advisor yet :(

[Cutter]

I sincearly hope that the Firefox and Kaspersky problems are sorted out, those reports were dated 2005!

There are plenty more, most don't come out till long after a problem has happened, companies are very good at hiding problems, ''google is your friend'' don't forget the post I was referring to was stating v06 and lower Norton products had the problem so my posts is very valid, also the earlier versions of Norton had been resolved through live update. ;)

debls - You stated a good point, I’m just quickly without bothering to go into any depth that every program out there will have some flaws, if only life was so easy that a product actually did what we all lead to believe it would do, there's no perfect solution for anything, although I have an electric fly swatter I’ve had no problems with ;) Keep the posts rolling.

Cutter.

[gringopig]

Check out http://www.matousec.com for some independent and rigorous firewall testing. Especially check out: http://www.matousec.com/projects/windows-personal-firewall-analysis/leak-tests-results.php

PCTools firewall doesn't exactly shine BTW!

[vpc]

I don't like Norton AT ALL, because it took me 1 hour to uninstall, after a reboot PC felt like it had a 200mhz processor and 10mb of RAM, it took me like 20 minutes to go to start, then more time to Control Panel, and more time to uninstall, and while it was installed i couldn't control anything, so yeah, you can say i need a better PC, but a AV/IS that needs a good PC is pathetic.

Same story with PCcilin and mcafee. :cool:

[debls]

Boy the firewall ratings are an eye opener. Zone Alarm, Norton, McAfee, Sygate and yes, PC Tools are all poorly rated.
I tried Comodo and had too many problems with it.
I was reading an interesting article regarding all of the security apps. Kind of agreed with the statement that we are always geared to the biggest and the best when many times a lot less is fine. They were particularly referencing home users much like myself who are very careful internet users. I have only gotten a virus once that I needed help with and that was when I, quite by accident :D landed on a porn site.
Right now I'm doing o.k. with the PCT stuff.

[swannie]

Yep, agree with you there Debls. I think we tend to go for overprotection and like you the only time I've had big virus hassles was when using P2P (before SD/AV - using Norton!!!). Since then, with SD/AV and CH and being very careful, there seems to be no problem. If you want to use uTorrents, The Pirate Bay (Reodor's favourite) Limewire etc. then you have to be prepared.

[Reodor]

Yep, agree with you there Debls. I think we tend to go for overprotection and like you the only time I've had big virus hassles was when using P2P (before SD/AV - using Norton!!!). Since then, with SD/AV and CH and being very careful, there seems to be no problem. If you want to use uTorrents, The Pirate Bay (Reodor's favourite) Limewire etc. then you have to be prepared.

'Using' in the way I try to see what is floating around on the 'free' market. If I want anything I have a 'friend' making it his living of getting it. His security set-ups and cleaning systems makes this board and the most look like a kindergarden.

[swannie]

'Using' in the way I try to see what is floating around on the 'free' market. If I want anything I have a 'friend' making it his living of getting it. His security set-ups and cleaning systems makes this board and the most look like a kindergarden.

Sorry, Reodor, I was only joking:o I realise that you go there for research purposes. My security set-ups and cleaning systems are still at the kindergarten level so who am I to talk!

[tom.tdw]

hi

if you do use pirate bay/p2p (even for research) it is recommended you do it under vertualization

if you use pirate bay/p2p regually use sandboxie, if you need it for irregular testing try returnil vertual system

i myself use a combenation of vertualization, zonealarm, cyberhawk, safari (much more secure than either firefox or IE), SD w AV (realtime), spybot S&D (ondemand), asquared free (ondemand), hijackthis, a batch based scanner i'm developing and more online scanners than i can be bothered to list.
i'm sure most of this stuff is not necessary (quite a lot of it is for research/development) but better safe than sorry:D

anyway if you want more info about security setups check out this page:
http://malwaresupport.forumer.com/viewtopic.php?t=21
(it's mostly the same as castlecops page but i have added some tips at the bottem)