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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