JaiZBlog: Norton AntiVirus is A Virus

26 June 2007

Norton AntiVirus is A Virus

Posted by Jaisal Abdurrahman

What Qualifies as A Virus

Uses Up Massive System Resources

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.

Fake Error Messages & Getting Your Credit Card Number

If you do not choose to activate the trial version of Norton. You still have their disgusting services activated and eating your computer resources. Every startup you will be hassled with "You're NOT PROTECTED AGAINST THE HORRIBLE PROBLEMS THAT AWAIT YOU!! ACTIVATE THE TRIAL". This mortifies the average computer user that feels no confidence.

Once your trial period is up, you'll be given the same grossly inaccurate message once again that you need Norton AntiVirus or your computer is completely insecure. Either give norton your credit card number or face being scared into giving them it with each subsequent logon. Most computer users are not confident enough to delete their antivirus and don't know how to disable norton from startup.

Is Your Computer Secure Without Norton?

YES. You can use a powerful cocktail of programs that's even more secure and faster than the bloat ware 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 improperly 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 lightweight
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