Avast WEBforum
Other => General Topics => Topic started by: Homeartisan on November 15, 2009, 05:19:26 PM
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I bought a new laptop recently. It came with a free trial of Norton internet security which is now coming to an end. I have read good things about Avast so want to consider it. I only use the laptop for home use: surfing, writing letters, Youtube, E Bay etc. Is Avast Home Edition a suitable product for me and my laptop which is a Compaq Presario CQ60 with Windows Vista Basic? Is it easy to download just by clicking the button? Should I remove the Norton first? Sorry if these questions seem trivial but I'm a complete novice computerwise.
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Uninstall and run the Norton removal tool.
http://service1.symantec.com/Support/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2005033108162039 (http://service1.symantec.com/Support/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2005033108162039)
avast! is a good choice for your computer. Download, install, and then register online for a 14 month key- that's it.
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Well im not that expercienced with this either but 1. Yes you should remove norton first by uninstalling ( the uninstall is sometimes usually messy and it leaves behind reminants of the program so the anti virus you installed may not work properly becuase of interference, if this happens there is a nortom removal tool but usually this wont happen)
As if avast is suitable for you its great and remember as long as you dont do alot of download free version will be fine ( however after 60days of using avast free you will be required to register (dont worry this is free registration, unless you buy pro) you might get some pop-ups). But remember no antivirus on earth has 100% detection, avast is pretty good detection. Also if you ever get a problem come to this forum. This place also has peope with good advice.
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Make sure you also reset the Microsoft firewall. It was disabled by Norton.
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I suggest:
-Download the full installer package for Avast, 37.82MB, halfway down this page. (http://www.avast.com/eng/download-avast-home.html)
-Download the Norton removal tool. (http://majorgeeks.com/Norton_Removal_Tool_SymNRT_d4749.html)
-Disconnect from the web.
-Exit (if you can) the Norton program (turn it off.)
-Uninstall Norton from the control panel, reboot as prompted.
-Run the Norton removal tool, reboot.
-Install Avast. Reboot as prompted.
Then reconnect to the net for updates.
Care should be taken to ensure that you have an installer file for a replacement AV before uninstalling the previous one. Why would you want to connect to the internet unprotected, even if it is just to get an AV?
Some of the comments above could be read as suggesting that.
[edit] fixed Avast link.
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I can also personally recommend using Avast as your virus scanner.
Avast is a lot lighter on resources than Norton. Moreover it has never let me down in the 3+ years which I have been using it.
Agree with the above comment that no virus scanner has 100% protection. A combination of security software is the best approach. In addition protection begins with the user is also an important point. That is, avoid going to the dark side of the web (eg. WaReZ, KeYGeNs etc.), do not open spam emails or emails from contacts which you are not expecting etc. etc.
Another good point is to read the advice and recommendations of the experts on this forum. A wealth of information resides both in the posts already made combined with the friendly and knowledgeable advice you will receive if you stay with us on the forum.
Avastfan1
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Thank you everyone for your very useful replies. Inevitably I now have more questions such as:
How do I reset the Microsoft Firewall and what to? If it was disabled by the Norton, will it get disabled by the Avast?
"Care should be taken to ensure that you have an installer file for a replacement AV before uninstalling the previous one."
I understand what you mean but how do I do this?
I accept that nothing in life is 100% perfect. I am careful regarding spam and phishing e-mails. I've got no idea what WaReZ, KeYGeNs etc. are and perhaps it would be better not to know!
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NO the windows firewall was disabled by norton becuase norton internet security has its own firewall, avast doesn`t to turn windows firewall on first norton must be removed then open security center and turn on windows firewall.
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Hello, Hello123 and thank you. Blimey this is getting more complicated and I didnt realise that Avast doesnt have a firewall. I think I might be better off with an 'all in one package' for simplicity so perhaps I'd be better to just buy the full Norton package. Or one from Mcafee or............etc.
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When Avast! 5.0 comes out with a stable release (it in beta) this all in one version will have a firewall. You can get a seperate firewall free,
IF you want an all in one suite with a firewall to buy my personal favourite if your spending money (at least until avast! 5 comes mayeb even this month or december)
http://www.eset.com/smartsecurity/
But i'd stick with avast! since it is free.
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How do I reset the Microsoft Firewall and what to? If it was disabled by the Norton, will it get disabled by the Avast?
Go to the control panel, select Windows firewall, and turn it on.
Alternatively there are several good free firewalls you could download and run.
"Care should be taken to ensure that you have an installer file for a replacement AV before uninstalling the previous one."
I understand what you mean but how do I do this?
It's sort of evident in the steps I listed.
You don't uninstall/disable your existing AV until after you've downloaded the new one, and disconnected the machine from the net.
That way, you can disconnect from the net for the uninstall, secure in the knowledge the installer file for the replacement is already on the desktop, just ready to go.
(Additional to the steps I suggested would be to check the Windows firewall is turned on immediately prior to reconnecting.)
I've got no idea what WaReZ, KeYGeNs etc. are and perhaps it would be better not to know!
They are basically "cracked" programs, or programs you would normally have to pay for, for which registration keys have been pirated. Illegal, immoral, likely to contain malware. Last but not least, often unnecessary. So many good freeware alternatives to a lot of "pay-for" programs.
I think I might be better off with an 'all in one package' for simplicity so perhaps I'd be better to just buy the full Norton package. Or one from Mcafee or............etc.
Well, it's up to you. I can assure you my computer has been protected by an assortment of free applications for over three years, with fewer problems than those experienced by folk I know who have paid for a suite.
Once a firewall is "trained", it will pretty much take care of business without the user having to answer popups. As for Avast, it works just fine "out of the box", in most cases.
Biggest complaint you are likely to read about from users (and ex-users) of Symantec or McAfee products is that they are bloated and slow the computer down. If you don't mind sacrificing a little speed (and money) to have the ease of use of a suite, then that doesn't matter.
In a fairly short while, Avast will release version 5. (Maybe a month. Maybe less.) Subsequent to the release will be the release of a suite including firewall. I would say that might be worth waiting for, if you're a suite kind of person.
Other suites I've read are worthy of consideration include offerings by Avira, and Kaspersky.. there are quite a few.
I'm suggesting not to be limited in your choice to the well known brands, and always to try before you buy. Any application should have a full featured trial period. (And, like Norton products, a lot will maybe need a special tool to completely remove them. Google for the tool, if applicable. Or ask here. ;))
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Uninstall and run the Norton removal tool.
http://service1.symantec.com/Support/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2005033108162039 (http://service1.symantec.com/Support/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2005033108162039)
avast! is a good choice for your computer. Download, install, and then register online for a 14 month key- that's it.
I followed this link and it tells me I have to choose which Norton version I've got. Where do I find this information please?
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@ Homeartisan
Use Norton Removal Tool 2010.0.0.98The Norton Removal Tool uninstalls all Norton 2010/2009/2008/2007/2006/2005/2004/2003 products, Norton 360 and Norton SystemWorks 12.0 from your computer.
http://majorgeeks.com/Norton_Removal_Tool_SymNRT_d4749.html
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I've downloaded the Norton removal tool and, I think, removed the programme(if thats the right word. Now I want to download the Avast. When the box comes up, do I select Run or Save?
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I would save it but not on the Desktop but in a Download Folder
Go to My Computer then C: Local Drive then right click an empty area then New then Folder then name it Download:
http://www.avast.com/eng/download-avast-home.html <== avast! Home Edition - English (37.82 MB)
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Well I've installed it and all appears well. I did a scan which took 28 minutes and, as far as I can tell, it found nothing untoward. Thank you all for your assistance.