My Norton Expires in 33 days, and from what I've learned from you wonderful people it's just a memory HOG..LOL! I would appreciate any suggestion (s) you can give me on what to purchase and use on my system that will keep it safe but not hog up the memory and or have it running slow as Norton does. I already see that you have an awesome forum on how to completely remove Norton from my system when the time comes, so I will go read that. I just need to know what protection is the best out there to utilize so that my system stays safe. Again, Thank you for your time, you are all wonderful..In his love, Tam. P.S. I have adaware 2007 on my system also, so it would have to be able to run with that.

You should use:

1. One resident AntiVirus with real-time protection, such as AVG.
2. At least a resident firewall. Either Comodo or Sygate are very good and not very resource intensive.
3. At least two resident Anti-spyware applications, preferably with some kind of real-time protection especially if you are not careful about your surfing habits. I prefer AVG-AS in combination with SuperAntispyware, but any listed in the Freeware Replacements topic have been used by our Members. I no longer use or recommend the new AdAware2007.
4. An alternate browser such as Opera or Firefox. Firefox has add-ons that can supplement #3.

I have noticed dramatically that paid internet security suites usually take up a lot of Ram, which I have found out. So, this is what I use and I think it is a great combination of security and doesn't use a large amount of Ram.

Anti-Virus: AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition
Anti-Spyware: Spybot S&D and Ad-aware Free
Firewall:Comodo Firewall Pro

Just remember these work good for me but they might not with your systems spec etc.

Also, as TMacK said, it is important to only use on of each as using more than one can cause them to not work properly and clash.

All the security products I use are free ones (because I feel why pay for something that dos the same job)

Here are some reccomendations
Anti Virus: Avast! home or AVG (I prefer avast anti virus wise)
Anti Spyware: SuperAntiSpyware FREE, Spybot: S&D, Ad-Aware and AVG AS (its entirely up to you what ones you use and like TMack said:

So thats why I use SuperAntiSpyware and Spybot.
Its up to you what you use though.

But if you we're thinking of buying Id say Trend Micro Pc Cillin isn't really heavy on resources. I nonly have 512MB RAM and it worked fabtastic for me)

Hi
Here's is some anti virus I use

AV - NOD32,a very nice AV My trial is running out,but I def. going to buy it!!
AS - Webroot (PAID) and AVG Anti Spyware (FREE)
Firewall - Comodo Pro,given away for free x)

remember to use only one firewall and anti virus,or you may have a computer that make you wanna trash it

as you are dealing with dear Norton you will also require the appropriate version of this tool Norton removal tool to remove all traces of the Norton from the computer as it has a habit of sticking like unwanted glue to anything it is allowed to meet

DO be sure to select and get downloaded to the computer( but not yet installed) the appropriate EXE of the av program you choose to replace norton so you can run its installation program as soon as Norton is OFF then fully update the new av program before you do anything else, plus run a full deep scan, as dear norton is known to miss things that others pick up

have you run any independent on - line scans to check for nasties apart FROM relying solely ON the Norton program

How about Windows Defender.......As far as "Active Spyware" is concerned.....

I hear from it every time I utilize Sonic to burn a CD......So it must be "active"......Rarely other then then though.

Now effective is it......ummmmm.....With many layers of protection, it may be hard to accurately determine.

I had some installation problems with defender thats why Ive never used it.

There are many good, free, anti-malware applications available from companies that specialise in the area; often they have free versions that do not have all the "bells and whistles" of the paid versions, but have the same anti-malware functionality. I would suggest that these are to be preferred to all-in-one suites or to sources where their main concern lies elsewhere. The BC Freeware Replacement pinned topic lists many used by our Members.
Regards,
John

I would suggest NOD32, from www.eset.com. It consistently rates as one of the best antivirus products available and uses very few resources. I am currently using their product on my desktop and laptop. I am able to play games, or do whatever I wish with NOD32 running in the background.

I use the same config, except for AVG anti-spyware. Comodo makes a great free firewall.

In my experience, the free anti-virus and anti-spyware products simply do not compare (performance wise) to the paid-for products. I just worked on a friend's computer that was using an up-to-date version of AVG antivirus free. I had just suggested to him that he get a paid for antivirus. He told me that his copy of AVG had not detected anything so he felt comfortable. I was working on his computer for a slow internet connection. I installed a trial version of NOD32 and it immediately came under attack from malware that was on the computer. The computer exhibited no signs of infection, except for the slow internet connection, which turned out to be a failing built-in LAN port. NOD32 had uncovered 18 infections by the time he asked me to format his hard drive and re-install Windows.

I have had one serious infection on my computer. I was using Norton Internet Security at the time. Norton was unable to remove all of the infections and Spybot Search and Destroy and Adaware (both free editions) couldn't even touch the infection. The only thing that cleaned my computer was the paid-for version of Spyware Doctor. I have since used free security software but I try to do research about them first. Currently, I use NOD32 and Webroot Spysweeper. In my opinion, you simply can't beat the paid-for protection.

I somewhat agree with you saying you cannot beat paid for protection. I have had some really bad infections (My Fun Web Products, Winantispy, Drive Cleaner, Winfixer and Vundo- and there was more)

• I could remove most of the "My Fun Web Products" infection with Super Anti Spyware and AVG and I could remove some with HiJack This. But when I did online scans it was finding more and more of it
• I had someone kill drive cleaner for me (for some reasons programs wern't finding the registry entries of it so the person who did this was an experienced user who went into the registry to remove them)
• I killed most of vundo with Vundofix. Trend Micro detected some of it and the infection is gone now )
• I couldn't remove winfixer with any freeware (i wasn't a member here at the time but if i was i would have posted here about hw i could remove it) so thts when I went out and got McAfee (which is a dead set waste of money as far as paid products go)

• I got rid of all minor infections with anti malware products and anti virus products.. all infections except te winantispyware one. That was a tough nut to crack. HJT just would not remove it and all my free products wouldnt detect it. So one of my friends put me onto trend micro. Which did a fantastic job with removal of it and some other malware

Some paid products can't remove certain things though. Thats why I don't entirly agree that paid protection is the best (as when over the years we've had norton and mcafee and thought we were really protected when they found nothing.. obviously not..) Each to their own I suppose But I will always think Trend Micro is the best bought protection

If you decide to purchase any security programs, first go to the program's website.
Look for a free trial, install and use that for a few days. There is no one size fits all when it comes to
computer security. What works for me may not work for you. A free trial will allow you to find out if the program causes any issues such as slow downs. You can get a feel for the interface, is it user friendly? It won't take you long to find out if it is something you want to purchase.

Thank you all soo soo very much, what a wonderful site this is, and your all so very helpful and pleasant. WOW, I didnt know I would get such an awesome response. And yes, I know that Norton doesnt remove everything because I'm always running into some sort of problems even with Norton, I've only kept it as long as I have because of what I paid for it...I truly cant wait till it expires and Also Thank you so much for the removal tool information, I've heard that it's almost impossible to get it off of your system entirely, that was something I was afraid of also... Wish me luck as now I"m looking at day 32...LOL!! Big Hugs to all of you....Tam! P.S. Can I ask also, What is wrong with Ad Aware 2007, I've paid for that too, is that going to give my system problems also? WOW I'm learning so much here, And Now I'm going to go found out where I can make A donation....Seriously, You all work so hard you truly deserve it....

If you want a really good opinion on an AV program take a look at several pages of posts in the HijackThis Logs and Malware Removal forum and see what AV program people are using and still get infected.
It's a rarity to see a post there with NOD32 installed. I use it and abuse it and it catches new in the wild threats on sites I visit to seek out these new threats.
I submit 1-2 new threats to Eset every week.

Ooohh. That sounds like an interesting test

It can get hard at times but I manage.

I was thinking of giving that a try myself
But I decided to scan before doing so.. And Im infected once again!

Ok all after looking over options, and receiving a pretty nasty virus while Norton is/was still installed on my system and I"m still working with the HJT team forum's on that one....I have downloaded A-squared...Next question is this...Hope I"m posting this in the right place, should I now even before expiration since NORTON IS OF NO USE as I have recently found out, go get the Norton removal tool and just completely remove it from my system since I have a-squared, Any advice about this would be most appreciated too!! You all are so helpful and awesome.....I know you'll give me the best advice and not steer me wrong...Thank you all bunches.....Big Hugs...Tam!

A-Squared is NOT an antivirus program
it's a malware scanner. Please read over the recommendations for an antivirus, and make a desision about what you want to try. Relying on a-squared for antivirus leaves you vulnerable to the viruses you don't want.
As for uninstalling Norton, wait until the Hijack This expert tells you it's ok.

One question I have to ask: Is your Norton product a suite which includes a firewall or is it antivirus only? If it's a suite, you'll also have to find a firewall.

Thank you so very much Queen-Evie, See I'm the only one in our home that takes care of the computer stuff and I'm soo glad I have wonderful people like yourself around me, to catch me when I'm going to fall....Anyway, in answer to your question, Yes it's a whole Norton suite secuirty package, I've had it for years and update yearly, but not this year...Especially after what just happened to us when it didnt pick up anything... that's pretty sad considering that I pay 60.00 yrly for a subscription to a service that cant even protect my computer..That rather upsets me.....Thanks for letting me know that A-squared is just a malware program so I'm back in search of a good Antivirus program, from this forum ofcourse.... Big Hugs and Much Appreciation...Tam!

As I stated above, you will also need a firewall.
Your options are stand-alone programs, or another suite. It's totally up to you.
I use Comodo free edition for a firewall, and haven't had any issues with it.
Also, my advice to try a free trial BEFORE purchasing-if you choose to purchase-still stands.
It's the only way I know of to find out whether or not something will be a good fit for your system.

Again, Thank you so much for the advice, I will check into them, I really appreciate everything you do.....I just know that Norton hasnt really helped me at all, I'm having alot of issue's as you can see if you have viewed any of my topics in the HJT forums!!! Big Hugs and Blessings, Tam!

Norton or no Norton, safe surfing is key. Really.
Here is a great tutorial on things to watch and do (or not)
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/topic2520.html

And this link takes you to how to remove all traces of Norton, which the firewall or AV you plan to install will likely conflict with. Please do it, or you're likely to have trouble with installations or slow computer, slow browsing and crashes. (This goes for ANY security software, not just Norton. None of them have really clean uninstallers).
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/topic34671.html

For AV, NOD32 is great, so is AntiVir and Avast!
A-squared is a great scanner for all sorts of things. Use it for on-demand scans.

Avast is a terrific anti virus as far as free is concerned

I just wanted to stop by and Thank all of you again for all your advice and let you know that the removal tool for Norton worked great and We've chosen NOD32 for our new AV Protection. I also have Spybot Search and Destroy and Super AntiSpyware. I was running Adaware 2007 which I paid for but it doesnt seem to run half the time and I have run into some problems with it updating itself and having to repair it etc...I dont know what's going on with that, so I"m sticking to the one's that are working properly and what you guys and gals have recommended because my system seems to be running so much faster and better since. Again, Thank you all so much, your all AWESOME!!!! Big Hugs And Blessings To ALL OF YOU!!! Tam!