BleepingComputer.com: Question About Antivirus Protection!

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.

CTH_Tom, on Jan 16 2008, 08:18 AM, said:

Ooohh. That sounds like an interesting test

Teenage.Zombiee, on Jan 15 2008, 08:35 PM, said:

It can get hard at times but I manage.

CTH_Tom, on Jan 17 2008, 11:06 AM, said:

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.

This post has been edited by Queen-Evie: 17 January 2008 - 06:28 PM

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!