As others have said, Norton is a resource hog. It can also be a cast iron
SOB to remove from your system. Add remove programs just won't get all of
it out, and this may cause issues/non-installs/freezes/crashes with what
ever AV program you try install afterwards.
Here is how to get rid of it all.
First download the Norton removal tool at
http://service1.symantec.com/Support/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2005033108162039 DO
NOT RUN IT YET.
Use add remove programs to remove Norton
Now run the removal tool to get the rest of it out.
Now you can install the new program.
As far as AV goes, while I am sure that CA is a fine program, it is $59.95.
AVG on the other hand is free if you are a home user. They just released
version 8.0 which includes AV, e mail scanner, link scanner (picks up bad
links and notifies you before you go there), anti-spyware, and a thing call
resident shield. AVG has a very small footprint and updates on a daily
basis. What's not to like? It is the same engine as the paid versions, same
databases, without all of the bells and whistles.
For a firewall, Zone Alarm is the default free choice. Again an excellent
program.
I will disagree with Ed about the usefulness of a router. A router acts as
a hardware firewall between the net and you. This means that if a bad guy
is doing a port scan, your computer will not even show as being on the net.
While your firewall should stop port scans, the function word there is
SHOULD. Just like the heater in an LBC SHOULD keep you warm on a cold
winter night.
Also if anyone else stops by your house with a laptop, they can go on the
net without taking you off. Routers are a handy item.
Here is a link for some further suggestions for dealing with computer
problems. http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=260053
Good luck and enjoy the high speed.
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