Anti-virus help!

[splodge24]

I need a new anti virus for my laptop, my subscription to Norton Anti-virus expires soon. Is it better to upgrade for about �30 or purchase another one? I'm not really knowledgable as to what to look for in the anti-virus software. If anyone can help me it would be much appreciated!

[Hermia]

Where did you get the figure of �30 from? It costs me a few quid to renew my Norton anti-virus subscription each year.

[splodge24]

i rang them and they told me it would cost �28-�30 to upgrade my current norton anti-virus. it is the 2004 version.

[stoo_pid]

That sounds like an upgrade than a renewal.  In other words, buying a more up-to-date copy of the software rather than just continuing to use your current Norton AV but just paying for 1 more year's anti-virus protection

If you're happy with the version of NAV you're currently using you don't need to pay for an upgrade.  All you need to do is renew your subscription (which costs a lot less)

[splodge24]

cheers!
i'll give them another ring. I didn't have a clue about costs so if you guys think it should be cheaper i'll have words!!

[vehelpfulguy]

You can get AVG anti-virus for free. I use it all the time and have had no problems.

You can get it from here (note they also do chargable versions so make sure you download the free one)

http://free.grisoft.com/doc/1

[splodge24]

cool, i have just downloaded the avg one. Do i need a seperate firewall now? i have completely uninstalled norton.

[flubber]

I would be surprised if you can get rid of Norton completely, but one firewall is enough and two (even the XP built in one conflicts) so stick with zone alarm only and it will do all you want it to do - have used it for 5 years and it has not let any nasty through yet.

Go into msconfig and make sure you do not have any residue of Norton running at start up, and disconnect the built in firewall (if you are on XP) and you will have no problems - apart from a slower start up that ZA gives, but that's no problem.

[Goofy]

totaly agree with using AVG.
Sygate is an alternative to Zone Alarm, but more complicated to use. Less likely to conflict with other progs. though

[splodge24]

cheers guys, i now have the avg sorted and zone alarm downloaded. saves time and money, great!