Norton 2008 review

[jdc2000]

For those still undecided:

http://review.zdnet.com/internet-security-firewall/norton-antivirus-2008/4505-3667_16-32588377.html?tag=nl.e622

[liam858]

The bad: Norton AntiVirus 2008 is roughly six times the size of most competing antivirus applications; doesn't offer three-user license; doesn't support Firefox; doesn't work with recent Yahoo and AOL IM applications (only old versions); offers fee-based services under the guise of technical support.

Just a few reasons to go for a free AV...or a good paid one.


Liam

[jdc2000]

Just a few reasons is an understatement. After reading that review, it looks like Symantec has taken a giant step backward in user friendliness.

[PennyISD]

We purchased NAV 2008 in December which *does* have the three-user license.
Penny in San Diego

The bad: Norton AntiVirus 2008 is roughly six times the size of most competing antivirus applications; doesn't offer three-user license; doesn't support Firefox; doesn't work with recent Yahoo and AOL IM applications (only old versions); offers fee-based services under the guise of technical support.

Just a few reasons to go for a free AV...or a good paid one.


Liam

[liam858]

We purchased NAV 2008 in December which *does* have the three-user license.

Well, that's one thing we can cross off the bad side, but the other negatives remain.


Liam

[budo]

I am still running NAV 2006 with all updates. Any comments on this program ?
It seems to do the job and I know it is a little heavy on the resources.
Budo

[SuperSparks]

And here another bad thing:

http://www.windowssecrets.com/2008/02/07/01-Symantec-uninstaller-may-not-finish-the-job

[Welshjim]

Everyone knows I use Norton AntiVirus (2007 at the moment).
I have learned to live with its idiosyncrasies. The antivirus function is excellent.
There is one other idiosyncrasy that perhaps should be mentioned. A default setting in NAV (2006 and 2007 anyway) disables Windows System Restore. Here is how to fix it.
http://www.5starsupport.com/faq/xp-system-restore.htm#1-21
I just leave the "How to protect my product" box unchecked permanently. The "protection" is only for NAV, itself.

[HAN]

I am still running NAV 2006 with all updates. Any comments on this program ?
It seems to do the job and I know it is a little heavy on the resources.
Budo

By nearly every account I've seen, NAV 2008 (and 2007 for that matter) runs MUCH lighter than 2006 or earlier builds.

As far as protection, bear in mind that malware is ever evolving. And while Norton still provides definitions for your AV, the program itself may be beginning to fall behind a bit. Stealthy file infiltration (Rootkit type) detection and cleanup of new types of malware are just two things that older versions may not be as good at as the newer versions are.

So, if you still wish to run Norton, should you upgrade? If I ran it, I would.

[budo]

Welshjim and Han thanks for your input.
That info re NAV creating a problem for WIndows system restore was new info to me - was not aware of that problem. This has not happened so far to me and I have been able to create a system restore point without any problems.:confused:
NAV 2006 has been sastisfactory so far and I take into consideration that Symantec has good knowledegable people trying to keep up with latest viruses etc. My only problem has been the fact that I know in order for it to do its job its going to use up system resources and that got me thinking maybe there is a program equally as good but not so heavy on the horsepower. But when I look at the procedure that is necessary to go through to uninstall NAV it really overwhelms me. So then I take the easy way out and say OK I guess I'm going to stick with what I have.:o
Budo

[Welshjim]

Budo--Another reason to keep NAV is that you usually can get the new version free after rebates. NAV comes by itself or part of Norton Internet Security, 360, or System Works. That means you will not have to buy a new subscription and you will get the newest engine. Just keep looking at the Sunday sales circulars from the office supply stores (Staples, Office Depot, etc.). Or check this site (click "Utilities") http://www.salescircular.com/

[budo]

If NAV 2008 is quite a bit "larger" than my current 2006 version wouldn't I be better off to hold onto present version and renew subscription or get tne 2008 version or am I missing something here ?
Budo

[Welshjim]

budo--I think HAN said that NAV2007/2008 had a smaller footprint than NAV2006. However the space required is still larger than several other antivirus programs.

[budo]

I misunderstood that. One other question - if I were to switch over to the 2008 does anyone know if that version would install over the 2006 ?
Budo

[Welshjim]

budo--Each year I uninstall the old version using Add/Remove followed by the Norton Removal Tool
http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2005033108162039?Open&src=&docid=2001120816371506&nsf=nav.nsf&view=b69c799adfa31ecc85256aa30052f4d0&dtype=&prod=&ver=&osv=&osv_lvl=
and then install the new. That has worked fine so far.