The most precompiled program in all new computers IS a virus to anyone who
knows anything about computers. DDOS 'Zombies' viruses can use up tons of your
CPU space while they send looping pings of invalid lengths to their coordinated
servers of choice. They're no match to Norton AntiVirus though, which can easily
use 40% of your CPU and a gross amount of Memory.
Is Your Computer Secure Without Norton? - YES. You can use a powerful cocktail of programs that's even more secure
and faster than the bloatware that is norton. You should really ask
yourself, "Is it worth having my computer go slower to have Norton AntiVirus
scan every file I look at and every program I run." Many people confuse
hardware problems for their old computers as viruses and anecdotally fear
removing the antivirus even if they don't download anything risky.
Security Recommendations:
Delete Norton: They have
an
uninstall utility if normal uninstall fails. It can cause serious
issues if improperty uninstalled or installed due to its need to have
rabid control over EVERYTHING.
Disable Windows FireWall And
Defender: Sygate as a firewall and adaware+syboy do the same
thing, only better.
Install ClamWin and
FreeAV: Two Free AntiViruses that
are very ligh tweight
For those who just worry about certain files from p2p networks
Jotti and
Virus Total
provide the ability to scan with several different virus scanners with
one upload.
Install Sygate Personal
Firewall: Very small firewall that does the job, it's completely
free.
Install Adaware and
Spybot: Free anti spyware programs
with a great reputation.
Install SiteAdvison:
Extension for firefox. It alerts you of the good sites and the bad
sites. Don't ever click on google sponsored ads when looking to download
software.
Scan with
Windows OneCare: Good spyware / vulnerabilty scan by microsoft.