Anti Virus HELP???

[Jessi-9]

Hi there

I bought a Dell laptop last year, along with NORTON Anti Virus. I have had no problems, so can only assume its done its job.

Its now due for renewal but they want £70 for 12 months cover :-(

Can't really afford this right now, what with my car tax due & christmas only 45 days away!!!!

Just wondering if anyone can recommend an ANTI VIRUS SOFTWARE thats a bit cheaper?

Even a trusted FREE one???

I really don't want to end up with problems so if need be will pay the price but thought I'd ask...

Many thanks

[Answerprancer]

Most people I know (myself included) use AVG Free.

[GKU35]

Try AVG Free or Avast

[Answerprancer]

I also use A-Squared anti-malware (free) as backup.
Good luck removing Norton from your system (if you do) :-/

[Jessi-9]

Thank u Answerprancer & GK.

Are these trusted though?

I only ask, becuase years ago, my brother installed some FREE anti virus software for me and I had never ending probs.

I'm scared....lol

[Answerprancer]

Totally ok - very popular.
I've been using AVG Free for a few years now and it's been fine:
http://download.cnet....utton&cdlPid=11014801

[Answerprancer]

...watch out for the ever present pressure to make you upgrade to the non-free version though.

[Jessi-9]

Answerprancer-THANK YOU!!!

I take it NORTON is gonna be a bit of a prob to remove??

Thanks again. I'll have a look at the link now.

Do I need to remove NORTON before trying to install AVG?

[GKU35]

Used both AVG Free and Avast. Both are trusted and respected. Currently use Avast as AVG and Zone Alarm had conflict problems a while back. The problem's probably fixed now.

[smurfchops]

Microsoft Security Essentials is free, and I think it lasts forever. You need to update it, just a quick scan, every two or three weeks. Give it a try.

[Jessi-9]

Thanks GK, really appreciated!x

[Jessi-9]

Smurf-Great thanks.

Is that what you use?

[douglas9401]

Hi Jessi, have you tried contacting Norton to tell them of your position? I got McAfee free for a year when I first took out Sky broadband. When it came to renewal I thought it was a bit steep so I phoned the contact number and was offered an instant 50% off. I also had three emails from a previous antivirus supplier offering progressively higher discounts as the due date came nearer.
If none of the above helps then AVG Free is fine.

[Mobius1]

Yes Jessi, you will need to remove Norton prior to installing the program you plan on replacing it with. Take a look here for a link to the tool to remove it: http://us.norton.com/...0710133834EN&ln=en_US

Bear in mind that you'll want to avoid using the Internet without an anti-malware program in place, so consider downloading the program you plan on replacing it with beforehand. That way you can have the new program up and running prior to connecting to the net to do it's first update.

[Jessi-9]

Douglas-WOW thanks. Didn't think of that. Might be worth a try!

Very much appreciated.xxx

Mobius-Thanks for your help. I would of messed it all up I'm sure!! I'll make sure I have everything ready before removing any software. xxx

[VHG]

Are you sure it is Norton Anti Virus and not a full security package like Norton Internet Security or Norton 360.

Security is more than just viruses and it is rather silly to take off a full security package and just replace it with anti virus.

You would be leaving yourself wide open to other attacks like spyware or malware.

[Casey63]

IMHO - Free AV software is false ecomomy. Most miss loads of viruses and other malicious software. One virus could cost you lost data and a clean install. Very costly. I recommend NOD32 by ESET. They are award winners. Check it out for yourself. A two years licence costs around £60. Read this http://www.eset.co.uk/Products/SmartSecurity

[johntywino]

I use Norton 2010 and it is excellent..I certainly would'nt go back to the free ones as Norton does an awful lot more for the money..On the internet they ask for (I think) about £60 to renew it but I buy the disc from W.H.Smith (shop or internet) for about £24...

[Iglu]

Yes, you can look here: http://www.spywared.c...e/antivirus-software/
and choose better one for you. There you will also find short reviews about softwares, so you'll be easier to decide.