Norton renewal.

[derekpara]

Sorry if you've answered a similar question before but my Norton anti virus and firewall is coming up for renewal again. Having bought the package I object to paying 'subs' each year. but can I get the equivelant protection from a free download or should I pay up ?

Advice much appreciated.

[khana]

I've never ever paid for virus protection in my life and I've had a computer for over 25 years (not the same one !).

I've used the free software from grisoft and never had any problems and more importantly viruses, plus its really easy to use and updates itself frequently automatically.

http://www.grisoft.com/doc/289/lng/us/tpl/tpl01

[rojash]

There's more to what makes good AV software than just how good the protection is. You also need to take into account its impact on the useability of the machine.
In my experience Norton is the absolute worst in this respect - slows down the machine, wastes resources, sometimes prevents legitimate programs from running (often without even telling you). There are many free products (Grisoft AVG, as mentioned by Khana, and Sygate Personal firewall spring to mind) which can offer you as good, or better protection with less problems, and for free!

[fo3nix]

If you run windows XP (SP2 does this by default), you can use the built-in firewall.

As for anti-virus, go the AVG route. Free and works well.

[derekpara]

Great answers. Thanks to all of you. Can't buy you a drink but have a great Christmas !

[Adampy]

I also have Norton System works. It is a HUGE drain on your computers resources. There are loads of different Anti-Virus products available. The only way you can renew your package without having to pay-up again is to format your machine (Which is a good thing to do every now-and-then anyway). When you re-install it thinks it's a new computer and starts the subscription for another year. I have done this twice but now got rid of Norton. I now use ZoneAlarm Firewall (free - http://www.pcworld.com/downloads/file_description/0,fid, 7228,RSS,RSS,00.asp) and ezAntivirus. If I were you ditch Norton.

[Adampy]

Sorry derekpara- Rather use this link - http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/company/products/z nalm/comparison.jsp?dc=12bms&ctry=US&lang=en& ;lid=ho_za

[derekpara]

Thanks, Adam. Norton is definitely getting the old heave ho !