McAfee or Norton

Question

This whole topic makes me nervous as heck!  I have a new Dim. 8400 just out of the box a couple of days ago.  I came with McAfee secutiry suite.  I've had some really bad experiences with McAfee in the past so am thinking I want to install Norton Interned Security 2005.  I've also read the board posting about the nightmares people have removing an installed security suite.  Here are my questions: 1) What's the general view out there as to which is best; McAfee or Norton? 2) Where can I find a good guide to removing McAfee with some probability of avoiding the rat hole in the process?   Thanks, WS

zbestwun2001 · Answer

If it were me making that choice I would go with Norton although I use AVG7 and it's free. To uninstall McAfee I would go thru your Control Panel and remove it from there. Steve

wayneskid · Answer

Reading the reviews on CNet, there are a LOT of bad experiences out there with Norton Internet Security 2005.  Folks using the Zone Alarm suite seem to have had more positive experiences. Thoughts?

zbestwun2001 · Answer

Zone Alarm is a firewall only and not a Virus Program.
Norton is a Virus Program, I don't think it comes with a firewall.

If you have Windows XP SP2 there is a firewall that you can enable and have that.

You need both a firewall and a VP.

So they aren't the same type of program.

Steve

B4runo · Answer

zbestwun2001: ZoneLabs now has a security suite, including firewall and AV programs. http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/home.jsp Don't know how good it is, though. B4runo

SpotCheckBilly · Answer

Hi Wayneskid,

You can get lots of good information and tips about Zone Alarm and its security suite: Here, at the Zone Labs user forums site.

I have used both Norton and McAfee in the past and have had problems at one time or another with both of them. I recently switched to NOD32, which I am very happy with. Subscription rates are cheaper than either McAfee or Norton, also uses far less system resources. You can read about it: Here. NOD32 and AVG (both free and pay versions) are highly regarded within the anti-malware community.

As far as firewalls go, I have used both Sygate and Zone Alarm with equal success . They both provide excellent "stealth" operation. However, I believe that Zone Alarm is probably a little more user-friendly.

The information given at all of the above links should help you to make an informed decision regarding what is right for you and the way you use your computer.

Good luck, :smileyhappy:

George

GreyMack · Answer

The Norton Anti-Virus (NAV) component of Norton Internet Security (NIS) is very highly rated, but the firewall and anti-adware/spyware components are rated below par. McAfee is similar, in that the suite is not very highly rated.

http://www.pcworld.com/reviews/article/0,aid,115939,pg,1,00.asp

I use the free ZoneAlarm firewall, Norton SystemWorks, free AdAware, Spybot S&D, Spyware Blaster, and Spyware Guard in addition to a NAT router, Windows (and Office) Critical Security Updates, and restricted browser configuration settings as recommended in the following link and it's companion pages.

https://netfiles.uiuc.edu/ehowes/www/btw/browser-sec-intro.htm

GM

wayneskid · Answer

GM.......Yikes! Sounds like you have it all covered. I am pretty conservative and careful with my internet use and was hoping for a somewhat simpler solution. What is your take on ZoneAlarm Sec. Suite??? PCMag recently rated it Editors Choice for Sec. Suites.

WS

GreyMack · Answer

I don't know that I've got it all covered, but I haven't had any sign of malware in well over two years now. There is a lot of money, talent, and time being invested in exploiting any privacy and security vulnerabilities available.

The ZA Security Suite review looks pretty good, particularly the firewall and anti-virus elements. I would back it up with AdAware and Spybot S&D scans until the anti-adware/spyware protection was proven effective, and add Spyware Blaster and Spyware Guard if it wasn't. I'm not too sure about all the other features, but I can see where they could be advantageous for someone.

GM

Virus & Spyware

McAfee or Norton

Was this post helpful?