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.
• Checkout this list of online free virus scanners.

Yeah, I fully agree with this assessment except I prefer AVG Free to ClamWin + FreeAV.