Nortons Internet Security 2005

[buf]

I have used, and still use, NIS 2002 on one machine and NIS 2003 on the other machine. Have used these since they appeared on the market without much trouble. Occasionally Liveupdate will act up but I have managed to "fix" it each time.
Instead of renewing subscriptions coming due in a couple of months, I have thought about buying the 2005 version--FREE after rebates. Anyone care to post their remarks/results of using NIS 2005. And yes I know, many of you detest Symantec products but since I have not had many problems, I haven't had to fix it because it hasn't been broken. As usual, TIA

[Raymond William]

I've used NIS 2003 because McAfee Internet Security was giving me problems in 2003. I decided to upgrade to NIS 2005 early this year. That's when my problems started again. It's difficult to uninstall! When I tried to reinstall NIS 2003, it wouldn't work. I tried Trend Micro's Internet Security, but had problems with the 2005 version. I finally got comfortable with EZ Trust Anti-virus and Zone Alarm Pro 5. Trying to uninstall NIS did something to my system because Windows restore no longer works, I can't play games at Zone.com, and Windows Media Player 10 will not install. I get "error code" prompts. I've concluded that some software work for some people and their systems, while others just don't. However, in this case, Norton caused my headaches because I was able to perform those three actions before uninstalling NIS 2003. Be careful when you uninstall NIS because it may leave you with problems. I followed the uninstall/reinstall instructions as suggested. Fortunately, Symantec reimbursed me. (Dell 1.8G, 512MB Ram, Windows XP home, High-speed cable, SpywareBlaster, NoAdware, Spybot, Spyware Doctor, Ad-Aware SE, Spy Sweeper, CounterSpy, MS Anti-Spyware, X-Cleaner, NOD32, and Spyware Guard).

[buf]

Thanks for your reply. But since I still have NIS installed on both my machines I will still be faced with un-installing either or both of them regardless if I upgrade NIS. I suppose either way I go I will still have "that bridge to cross".
I haven't the link to the Nortons supposedly fail-safe removal tool for NIS but I have read of those who successfully removed NIS.
Guess you are right, or so it appears, there are those of us who can easily use NIS without much problem(s). NIS has been pretty much trouble free for me ---so far.

BTW, I never used McAfee--never wanted to either.

[HAN]

Found this current discussion on NAV '03 vs. '05
http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13627924

[buf]

HAN, your link is a very good one. I have just read those comments and find they are about the same as others I have read; some for---some against NIS and NAV in particular. All that I can add is that I have Ad-Aware, Spybot and Spyware Blaster installed on both machines and am sure to run each of them at least once weekly along with automatic full HDDs search for any virus. I have to hastily say that I have been exceedingly fortunate to not catch any nasty virus in the air--or on the web. Tracking cookies are about the only things spyware apps. report, which as you know, are nothing.
At this point, and for a few remaining days before the free Staples sales is over, I will continue to re-think about the upgrading to NIS 2005 and may just simply stay with the 2002 and 2003 NIS.

[Le Boule]

FWIW, I seem to recall reading that the NAV2002 Engine is outdated...you might seek input on that from persons who are really familiar with NAV.

Try the link below ref removing earlier versions of NAV and NIS; note that these instructions and the removal tool are not for versions any newer than 2003:

http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT...rc=bar_sch_nam

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I'm trying the just released NIS 2005 ASW that DELL insisted (over my objection but what the heck) on putting on a new 8400 desktop I purchased last month; it seems to run quite well and I have no complaints with NIS but the new system has 1 GB RAM plus a 3.0 processor and I would not expect NIS to degrade the performance. I'm surprised at the lack of updates by Symantec - no LiveUpdate since June 8. EZ AV on my laptop has autoupdated five times since the 8th.

Don't know that I'll pay what Symantec wants for a script to NIS anyway and will probably remove the NIS after or perhaps before the 90 day trial is up; I think Avast plus Sygate and SpywareBlaster and Microsoft AntiSpyware and Adaware will do as good a job at far less cost (free to be exact).

But if you're comfortable and confident with Norton I would probably stick with them...

My two cents worth...

[Raymond William]

I'm sure Symantec provides a daily intelligent update (manually download and update). The live updates are released weekly, usually on Wednesdays. However, this may have changed since I gave up Norton Internet Security. I would suggest a combination of EZ Trust Anti-virus and Zone Alarm (free version). I'm using Zone Alarm Pro 5, which provides access to more of its features. My choice is the result of negative experiences with McAfee Internet Security, Norton Internet Security, and Micro Trend's Internet Security. I plan to stick with separate anti-virus and firewall applications, instead of the full protection suite. I should also mention that some applications on your system may conflict with other applications. Therefore, I suggest downloading Zone Alarm (free version) and EZ Trust anti-virus (trial version). (Dell 1.8G, 512MB Ram, 30G HD, High-Speed Cable, Windows XP (home), EZ Trust Anti-virus, Zone Alarm Pro 5, SpywareBlaster, NoAware, Spybot, Spyware Doctor, Ad-Aware SE, Spy Sweeper, CounterSpy, Microsoft AntiSpyware, X-Cleaner, CCleaner, and Spyware Guard)

[Penguingirl]

I have used NIS for about 4 years now. I had NIS 2002 and kept it instead of buying 2003. I then bought NIS 2004 and found that I liked it very much. Our computer has had no problems in all these years and the ease of use has been greast. Back in February we bought 2005. We have still had no viruses, trojans, etc.... but our computer has slowed down very much and the ease of use is not as great as prior versions. We just don't like the 2005 version as much. It protects as well as ever but it has slowed our computer so very much.

[Raymond William]

I'm glad to hear that NIS is working for you. I attempted to upgrade from NIS 2003 to 2005 for improved features. I thought it would scan faster and offer improved monitoring features. It only caused me problems. I would suggest running several scans for spyware, if your computer has slowed. You seem to suggest that NIS may be the culprit, but spyware is known for slowing down systems. Try Ctrl-Alt-Delete to see which processes are running. You can also download a trial version of Zone alarm Pro 5, which prompts you when applications attempt to access the internet. If you use Zone Alarm Pro 5, you will get warning prompts for a few days until you've customized the application to allow internet access for applications you approved. This is one of many cost-free ways to find out if spyware is slowing your system. Good luck. (Dell 1.8G, 512 MB Ram, 30G HD, High-Speed cable, Windows XP (home), Zone Alarm Pro 5, EZ Trust Anti-virus, SpywareBlaster, NoAdware, Spybot, Spyware Doctor, Ad-Aware SE, Spy Sweeper, CounterSpy, X-Cleaner, Microsoft AnitSpyware, CCleaner, and Spyware Guard)

[buf]

Penguingirl, after reading your post, I have just about decided to stay with the NIS that I have installed and simply pay the $30 for the annual definition updates. Still thinking, however. For me, the versions I have installed are not broken so I am not anxious to fix them--even for free!!

Raymond William: I absolutely know nothing about the WinXP System Restore but I thought that it had to be turned off before removing something from the PC. If so, then that may have contributed to your problem reported there. I have just re-read your initial post to my thread and picked up on what you reported there. Perhaps someone more learned than I will weigh in on this.

[Penguingirl]

Buf...I absolutely agree with your decision to stick with the version of NIS you are running now.

Raymond...thank you for your post but I have good protection from adware and spyware. My computer has slowed only since I upgraded from NIS 2004 to version 2005. Other people have also said that it has slowed their computers and it uses alot of resources. If I could go back to NIS 2004 I would, believe me.

[Col Colt]

Another way to get rid of all those embedded Symantec and Norton files in the registry is to go into run>regedit>edit>find and just type the word Symantec and it will search for files pertaining to whatever you have installed with Symantec products. That file will be highlighted in blue. Just click delete and then click on Find Next and it will search for more. Once found, delete again. I did this for nearly an hour getting rid of Symantec files. Afterwared, I typed in "Norton" and there wasn't near as many files for it as Symantec, but they were there. This will knock out 99% of those files. Howbeit, you never really get ALL of them as they hide in the shadowy places here and there but this will get most.

[Raymond William]

Thanks for the tip Col Colt. I deleted some of Symantec's traces, but I'm not sure of the others because I can't positively identify them. I'm skittish about messing with the Registry. I know the "find" feature is suppose to display those items related to the request (symantec, norton). There are a few traces remaining. I've learned that companies would have to include more instructions in their undelete feature. Why should they waste the money and time, if I'm undeleting their product. Thanks again for the information. (Dell 1.8G, 512MB Ram, Windows XP Home, High-Speed Cable, EZ Trust Anti-virus, Zone Alarm Pro 5, SpywareBlaster, NOAdware, Spybot, Ad-Aware Se, Spyware Doctor, Spy Sweeper, CounterSpy, Microsoft Anti-Spyware, X-Cleaner, CCleaner, and Spyware Guard)

[Col Colt]

Raymond-one has to be careful indeed in the registry but, if you're always cognizant of what's highlighted and don't delete anything you're not 100% sure of...don't!! I've nearly done it myself.

It looks like from your stats you have nearly as much protection as I do!! You only need to get BoClean, WinPatrol and maybeTrojan Hunter and a2-squared to compete.

[buf]

Penguingirl, thanks for your words of agreement. Odd because I have never thought about going back to a previous application after having upgraded it to the next highest version. Don't know that you couldn't reinstall your NIS 2004. Worth a try and who knows, you might just get a free year's definitions update. Well, you would if you formated your hard drive(well, I have read that one could in the past) but that ain't worth the aggravation and work.
Interesting thought though!!!