norton or kaspersky??

[lele g]

which is better?? iv only ever had bad experiences with norton

[rojash]

This is a bit like asking "Pile of poo or really nice hamburger, which is better?"

But, the absolute bestest AV in the entire universe is Eset NOD32, despite what you will probably hear from the little hairy fella in the very near future.

[Buenchico]

Norton has got very few fans (either here on AB or in the computer press). Whatever choice you end up making, it's likely that you'll want to get rid of Norton. You can't uninstall it from 'Add/Remove Programs'. You'll need this tool:
http://service1.symantec.com/Support/tsgeninfo .nsf/docid/2005033108162039

Kaspersky is generally far better reviewed.

I know nothing about NOD32 but I do know that the vast majority of the regular contributors to AB's Technology section don't use any commercial software.

Most people here seem to be satisfied with the free version of Zone Alarm as their firewall. (Comodo is also widely praised).

The majority of AB-ers have used the free version of AVG, up until recently, as their anti-virus solution. However, there's been some dissatisfaction from some (but not all) users in respect of the latest version, resulting in many people switching to Avast!

Lastly, AdAware and SpyBot are both well-recommended anti-spyware tools.

Definitely get rid of the dreaded Norton. Then either install Kaspersky or join the majority of us and use the free stuff.

Chris

PS: Last year, PC-Pro magazine summarised NOD32 as 'an eccentric package that gives only average protection'. Kaspersky topped their ratings:
http://www.pcpro.co.uk/labs/155/antivirus-soft ware/products.html

[ChuckFickens]

out those two, kaspersky by a mile, but agree with Rojash, NOD32 is the best overall.

[BillyBB]

I rated Kaspersky when I switched in 2006, but the 2008 version seemed slower and more problematical.

[ACtheTROLL]

Kaspersky slaps bottom

I'm one of the ones that doesn't use free software (in this context) - seems a bit like using spagetti as a setbelt in a demolition derby

but there are ways of maximising
the november issue of computer shopper has a 100 day free trial (kaspersky) - you get 30 days trial anyhow - so 130 days for free - and if you look round you can get a 12 month, 3 machine OEM licence CD for �12.90 - that's not bad for 16 months

so it needen't cost pots of dosh
as for nod .... zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz! whu?
rojash and chuck only use nod 'cause they cant spell kisparsci o<];-)

[beso]

Norton is rubbish bloatware.
Kapersky is fairly heavyweight on the computer resources.

My experience with NOD is a couple of years old now but it was effective and efficient and had an excellent reputation.