Computer Tech Question: If I have Norton Anti-virus, do I also need SpySweeper?

Self | November 23, 2007 | PJ-Comix

[PJ-Comix]

Okay, a question for you techies out there. I just renewed my Norton Anti-virus system and the renewal for my SpySweeper is coming up as well. Is it necessary to have SpySweeper also? If Norton Anti-Virus is sufficient then it doesn't make sense to renew SpySweeper. Some have said they might even be interfering with each other.

So to renew or not to renew SpySweeper? That is the question.

[PJ-Comix]

Thanx in advance for your advice. If Norton Anti-Virus is sufficient and I don't also need Spysweeper, I might as well NOT renew the latter.

[Tijeras_Slim]

Got ‘em both. But I’m a belt & suspenders kinda guy.

[darkwing104]

No, not really, but I generally leave it to personal preference.

[garyhope]

Anything Norton is a resource hog.

Try Eset Nod32

http://www.eset.com/landing_pages/landing_page1.php?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=eset%2Bnod32&utm_content=Brand_Search&utm_campaign=Brand_Search-Atlas

[rellimpank]

—about year ago I got rid of all the Norton stuff and went to the free AVAST with good success-—

[Still Thinking]

In my experience Norton blows. Get AVG instead. It’s free so that would settle the issue of having to pay for two possibly redundant products. I don’t know what Norton puts in the product they call an “anti-virus” but typically anti-virus and anti-spyware are two different things, so if that’s the case then yes you would need them both. But really, ditch Norton and get AVG.

[Quix]

I THINK I NEED to replace my 5 year old ASUS dual CPU AMD motherboard.

Any recommendations?

Can the process be RELATIVELY pain free?

[PJ-Comix]

I’ll have to get AVG next year since I just renewed Norton. Would I also need SpySweeper with AVG?

[matthew fuller]

One of the computer magazines currently rates Norton Internet Security 2008 as the one to beat. (I’m not an expert.) However, every professional person that I’ve asked about the programs (firewalls, antivirus, antispy) totally dislike and downplay Norton. I have found it a pain that they do not have a free phone tech support, however, few others do either.

[AlexW]

“I got rid of all the Norton stuff and went to the free AVAST with good success-—”

I also use Avast, from Czech Republic.
I have never used Norton as all I read is that it is the worst thing you can put on your computer.

There is a Slovak anti virus that is said to be even better
then Avast, but I do not know of any English version.

[PJ-Comix]

So keep or NOT keep SpySweeper?

[PJ-Comix]

Can I use both AVAST and Norton?

[darkwing104]

I THINK I NEED to replace my 5 year old ASUS dual CPU AMD motherboard.

It's up to you. Do you think you need a new computer? If yes, then get one. It if you want to update it just remember it won't be cheap. Depending on your knowledge and skill you can buy a bare bones system and build your own. If not then purchase an assembled unit with preloaded software.

Can the process be RELATIVELY pain free?

No...

You are going to get a ton of opinions here but remember it's your money and get what you want. If anyone pushes something on you that you don't want, make them pay for it.

[AlexW]

“One of the computer magazines currently rates Norton Internet Security 2008 as the one to beat.”

Were there any Norton ads in that magazine?
Inquiring minds want to know ;)

[darkwing104]

Can I use both AVAST and Norton?

No...

[matthew fuller]

Kim Komando has a website with all these programs listed as freeware, and she recommends AVG for viruses, and Spybot for spyware. Look for Komando.com.

[mikrofon]

Rule of thumb is to have just one good anti-virus package, but multiple anti-spyware utilities are OK. (whether Norton is “good” anti-virus or just bloatware is debatable ;)

If your new version of Norton includes an anti-spyware component (which our commercial version at work does), it’s still a good idea to have another competent version i.e. SpySweeper in use...

[TruthWillWin]

Short answer: Yes. (If you have Norton get rid of it, it is a real PITA!) Much better options out there.

[AlexW]

“Can I use both AVAST and Norton?”

Hi, PJ...I have no idea, but I have never heard anything good about Norton.
On problem may be in getting rid of Norton if you want to.
I have heard it invades every every area of your computer, but I am not an expert on the matter.
I defer to many wiser Freepers.

[PJ-Comix]

Renewal doesn’t go into effect until Dec. 1. Maybe I can get a refund on my Norton renewal and then install AVAST. When is the link for AVAST? And if I have AVAST, would I also need SpySweeper?

[PJ-Comix]

I have heard it invades every every area of your computer, but I am not an expert on the matter. I defer to many wiser Freepers.

Uh-oh!

[AlexW]

Oh, I also use FREE SpyBot...It is quite good.

[darkwing104]

I've should of asked eariler. What version of Norton is it?

[PJ-Comix]

Does that free SpyBot replace SpySweeper?

[TruthWillWin]

I recently bought 2 new computers for my business that came with Norton free for 90 days. I have had major problems getting the computers to network properly that were caused by Norton.

Other problems with Norton include a 13 step process to disable and turn back on when installing new software. All other virus protection software I've owned can be turned on and off with a simple right click of the mouse on the icon in the task bar.

[PJ-Comix]

Norton 2008.

[bcsco]

Virus software and spyware software are two different issues. You really need both.

Since you have Norton, I’d stay with that for your anti virus application. But I’d also download Ad-Aware and Spybot Search & Control (both free). They will handle spyware and trojans that Norton (or any other anti virus application won’t.

As far as Norton, do you have the full package (including firewall)? If not, I’d also be sure to get yourself behind a software firewall, if not a hardware firewall (router, whether wireless or wired). And if you’re firewall is a software application, I’d recommend getting a hardware firewall anyway. They’re the best type of firewall protection (and not expensive).

[PJ-Comix]

At this point it looks like I am stuck with Norton for another year but is there a free program out there that acts like SpySweeper so I don’t have to renew the latter?

[garyhope]

Go to http://www.newegg.com/

Great web site, great prices, no tax (unless you live in California) great review sections.

Did you mean dual CPU or dual core CPU?

I’ve got an AMD dual core and it’s still very good and fast, but I’ve read the Intel Core 2 Duo’s are better.

Both Intel and AMD now have Quad cores. May as well upgrade to one of those.

And as usual, both ASUS, Gigabyte and MSI seem to be the most popular mobo’s.

What will you be using your computer for mostly?

[AlexW]

I have not used spysweeper, but Spybot is well know worldwide. It is also European.
As for Avast:
www.avast.com

[darkwing104]

Not bad. It it part of the Norton 360 package? or just a stand alone?

[bcsco]

PJ:

You don’t want to use more than one anti virus application. If you have Norton, use it. If you don’t like Norton, go the Avast route. It’s fine software. But don’t use both!

[TruthWillWin]

I have both Avast and Spysweeper on my computer at home (free addition) and like them.

http://www.avast.com/eng/programs.html

http://www.superantispyware.com/download.html

[PJ-Comix]

I have Norton Anti-Virus version 12.8.0.4. I was told it includes Firewall.

[Still Thinking]

Yes. AVG does have a comprehensive internet security product but that is only available in the purchased package. The free one is anti0virus only. Since a year from now you will have paid the Norton subscription for this year and received a year of virus protection regardless of whether you switch to AVG now or in a year, I’d switch now. Norton doesn’t have a good reputation as a responsible citizen of your computer.

[Still Thinking]

I use Spybot and AdAware (free version) for spyware protection.

[AlexW]

By the way, you can run a free virus scan from Trend:

www.housecall.trendmicro.com/

I do it about once a month.

As others mention, run the Spybot every few weeks or so.
No need to buy a spyware program.

[TommyDale]

I run AVG AntiVirus. I also use in this order: Spybot Search & Destroy, then AdAware. It sometimes takes both spyware programs to catch everything, although lately this has become less of a problem, with Spybot doing a better job of updates.

I don’t think I would ever trust a single program to find all the spyware, since some of those programs leave their own traces.

[darkwing104]

Just for the firewall alone stay with Norton for now. You can switch when it it expires.

I use Avast on my X64 Machine, Norton 360 on the XP Entertainment Computer and McAffee on a third machine. All three are good but Norton has more bells and whistles. Despite what some people say here some of Norton's software is pretty damn good.

[Still Thinking]

Exactly. Who better to plant spyware than the sole anti-spyware program on a person’s computer? Therefore, I run Spybot and AdAware like you, both to keep an eye on each other and in case one of them has some item in its database that the other one won’t catch.

[darkwing104]

Therefore, I run Spybot and AdAware like you, both to keep an eye on each other and in case one of them has some item in its database that the other one won’t catch.

I do that also and highly recommend it.

[bcsco]

Then you should be alright. I’d still recommend getting Spybot Search & Destroy, and Ad-Aware. Both Free.

Now, let’s take this to another level. The above is fine for protecting your PC from unwanted intrusion. But what do you want to insure it continues to run well? A couple recommendations:

1) Diskeeper. It’s software that runs in the background and keeps your hard drive unfragmented.
2) RegCure. The best Windows registry tool available.

Both cost $ but are well worth the price.

Finally, the best & easiest way to backup/restore a hard drive is to have a separate drive available (external) and run Acronis True Image (also $ and available online). Acronis will write an image of your hard drive to the separate disk, and create a recovery CD. If you have a problem (as I did earlier this week) you can use the recovery disk to reformat your hard drive and reinstall everything VERY quickly. An absolute must for any serious computing.

[Quix]

THANKS

DUAL CPU AMD 1.X GIGHZ 1 GIG MEMORY

The memory slot for the 2nd gig has never worked.

Had the machine built to my specs in Taipei just before I left in 2002.

Persistent problems.

Currently getting the blue screen of death that even the ANTI-CRASH DASHUND software is not catching.

Supposedly some driver.

Don’t know what happened to the software to check drivers and keep them updated. Can’t find it.

Anyway—tired of the hassles.

Would prefer to go with Linux but have to interface with Microslop at the college.

And all my grade sheets are on Xcel.

My huge tower aluminum case is great with super hefty power supply and plenty of HD’s and DVD recordable drives.

have RAID card and ATI card etc. Would like those to fit on the new motherboard. How likely is that?

What do I need to check—dimensions of the slots etc?
Or are all those standardized enough the last 5 years?

One of the fans on one of my CPU’s is going out—risky enough I’m now turning the thing off most of the time I leave the house. I might have an extra one in my electronics drawer I should dig in and see.

Anyway—about it from here in river city.

Any and all advice eagerly considered.

Thanks tons for your bother.

The best of this Christmas season to you and your loved ones.

[Quix]

That was a question I had.

I assume there’s no sense in getting a new motherboard with less than a 64bit setup.

Will my 32 bit software run on it at all?

Or does that mean all new software. UGH! I have more bucks in software than hardware.

[Quix]

Adware seemed to cause fits with my machine and I got rid of it. Maybe it’s better now.

I have SYSTEM MECHANIC 7 and SPYSWEEPER.

And a persistent irregular, erratic problem wherein the software—not sure what—results in my keyboard not accepting characters . . . or very slowly. Frustrating.

Sometimes infuriating.

[Quix]

I have bought several registry fix software packages.

I think I run unblue or some such most now.

Yeah, I have RegCure and Registry Booster etc.

Why do you say RegCure is best?

[TommyDale]

Yes, I read a couple of years ago that the two worked best when run together in that order. It always seems to work for me that way.

[darkwing104]

I have SYSTEM MECHANIC 7 and SPYSWEEPER.

Good Combination. What are you using for anti-virus?

And a persistent irregular, erratic problem wherein the software—not sure what—results in my keyboard not accepting characters . . . or very slowly. Frustrating.

Have you tried another keyboard?

If it isn't the keyboard then most likely that its either the Power Supply is getting weak (5 years) or the motherboard maybe showing it's age. The power supply for your current system may be difficult to find unless you can find a business that builds and repair computers.

I don't know how the internals of your computer so I can't give you a definitive answer.

[darkwing104]

Will my 32 bit software run on it at all?

That will depend on the Operating System you are and will be using. If you are currently using XP and install XP on a replacement machine it will work.

You can run XP on a 64 bit machine.