On Thu, 06 Dec 2007 12:44:50 GMT, Short Wave Sportfishing
wrote:

On Thu, 6 Dec 2007 03:36:08 -0500, "Eisboch" wrote:


I've been reading the various comments regarding Vista versus XP (while
mentally filtering some of the personal BS expressed by some) and have
reached the conclusion that I'll stick with XP for as long as I can.

I've stayed out of this, but I will say this.

My brother runs a huge IT operation and knows his stuff when it comes
to this.

His very words: "Don't buy Vista - it's going to be a diaster - stick
with XP because Vista will last only as long as it takes to build
another XP - it's going to become the ME of the MS ops line."

My wife used to have issues with her two computers until we
finally disabled Norton in them (at the advice of a computer guru). No
problems since. I had one spyware infection on my home laptop a while back
and SpyDoctor cured it.

If I could I would cancel Norton.

The problem is I don't know what to replace it with.

Norton is on the bottom of the CR ratings. FWIW, here's what Consumer
Reports has to say:

CR Quick Recommendations Software suites

A security suite makes sense if you want the simplicity of a single
program. Suites also offer features that most stand-alone products don't
include (and that we list in the Ratings chart, but did not test). And
where stand-alone programs usually run on only one machine, some suites can
be used on as many as three computers, making them a potential money saver.

However, we recommend suites only for machines with at least 1 gigabyte of
memory; any less risks slow performance. All of the products offer a
unified interface, automatic updating of all components, and a software
firewall, and are compatible with Windows XP and Vista. Ratings reflect
performance against viruses, spyware, and spam. Quick Picks considers
performance and value.


Quick Picks
Best choice overall:
Trend Micro PC-cillin Internet Security 2007 $50

The Trend Micro suite excelled in every category and, even with its $50
annual fee, offers fairly inexpensive all-around protection for as many as
three computers. The few extras it lacks, including an ad/popup blocker,
file backup, and Windows cleanup utilities, might be found on other
software you use, such as your operating system and browser.

A fine value:
Check Point ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite 7.0 $50

Check Point's antivirus and antispyware components didn't score quite as
high as Trend Micro's, though its antispam protection was first-rate. Its
annual fee is $15 less than Trend Micro's. It includes an ad/popup blocker,
though it lacks the Wi-Fi monitor that Trend Micro offers. It can be used
on as many as three computers.



For full features at a premium price:
McAfee Total Protection 2007 $80
McAfee Internet Security Suite 2007 $70

These best combine high performance and ample features, including a file
backup utility, and offer an integrated security solution, albeit at a
relatively high price. The lower-priced suite also carries a lower annual
fee. It's the better buy unless you really need a Wi-Fi monitor, a
less-than-essential feature unless you suspect your neighbors of hacking
into your network. Note that McAfee charges $10 extra per year to service
each computer beyond one.

--
John H

John H. wrote:


For full features at a premium price:
McAfee Total Protection 2007 $80
McAfee Internet Security Suite 2007 $70

These best combine high performance and ample features, including a file
backup utility, and offer an integrated security solution, albeit at a
relatively high price. The lower-priced suite also carries a lower annual
fee. It's the better buy unless you really need a Wi-Fi monitor, a
less-than-essential feature unless you suspect your neighbors of hacking
into your network. Note that McAfee charges $10 extra per year to service
each computer beyond one.

I use McAfee because Comcast gives it away. Unfortunately, it is a
memory hog also, though not as bad as Norton.

On Thu, 06 Dec 2007 12:44:50 +0000, Short Wave Sportfishing wrote:


His very words: "Don't buy Vista - it's going to be a diaster - stick
with XP because Vista will last only as long as it takes to build
another XP - it's going to become the ME of the MS ops line."

I very rarely use Windows, but I can't remember this much negative
feedback concerning a Windows release. Considering the time and money MS
put into this release, you have to wonder. I've read in several places
that Microsoft only makes money on their operating systems, and MS
Office. This has to hurt.


If I could I would cancel Norton.

The problem is I don't know what to replace it with.

Open source and free. I've only heard good things about it.

http://www.clamwin.com/

"Short Wave Sportfishing" wrote in message
...
On Thu, 6 Dec 2007 03:36:08 -0500, "Eisboch" wrote:


I've been reading the various comments regarding Vista versus XP (while
mentally filtering some of the personal BS expressed by some) and have
reached the conclusion that I'll stick with XP for as long as I can.

I've stayed out of this, but I will say this.

My brother runs a huge IT operation and knows his stuff when it comes
to this.

His very words: "Don't buy Vista - it's going to be a diaster - stick
with XP because Vista will last only as long as it takes to build
another XP - it's going to become the ME of the MS ops line."

My wife used to have issues with her two computers until we
finally disabled Norton in them (at the advice of a computer guru). No
problems since. I had one spyware infection on my home laptop a while
back
and SpyDoctor cured it.

If I could I would cancel Norton.

The problem is I don't know what to replace it with.

I recommend the free version of AVG. I've been using it for a couple of
years with no problems what so ever. My PC is on 24/7, never a virus.

http://www.download.com/3000-2239_4-10761481.html

D.Duck wrote:

The problem is I don't know what to replace it with.

I recommend the free version of AVG. I've been using it for a couple of
years with no problems what so ever. My PC is on 24/7, never a virus.

http://www.download.com/3000-2239_4-10761481.html

This is address to anyone:

I just checked out what McAfee does that I would be missing with AVG,
the only other feature I use in the Internet Suite is the Firewall. Are
you using a firewall and if so, which one?

"D.Duck" wrote in message
...

"Short Wave Sportfishing" wrote in message
...
On Thu, 6 Dec 2007 03:36:08 -0500, "Eisboch" wrote:


I've been reading the various comments regarding Vista versus XP (while
mentally filtering some of the personal BS expressed by some) and have
reached the conclusion that I'll stick with XP for as long as I can.

I've stayed out of this, but I will say this.

My brother runs a huge IT operation and knows his stuff when it comes
to this.

His very words: "Don't buy Vista - it's going to be a diaster - stick
with XP because Vista will last only as long as it takes to build
another XP - it's going to become the ME of the MS ops line."

My wife used to have issues with her two computers until we
finally disabled Norton in them (at the advice of a computer guru). No
problems since. I had one spyware infection on my home laptop a while
back
and SpyDoctor cured it.

If I could I would cancel Norton.

The problem is I don't know what to replace it with.

I recommend the free version of AVG. I've been using it for a couple of
years with no problems what so ever. My PC is on 24/7, never a virus.

http://www.download.com/3000-2239_4-10761481.html


Promise to be very quiet? like SSSHHHHHhhhhhhh!

I disabled the embedded Norton on this laptop 3 years ago. I ran it for
over two years with no anti-virus software at all without any problems.
About 6 months ago it picked up a worm or something ... didn't hurt the
computer, but was some sort of spyware that put a new line in the registry
file that, in turn, caused the browser to occasionally be bombarded with
unwanted advertising.

After trying a couple of free anti spyware programs (including one from MS)
that were only temporarily successful, I installed "Spyware Doctor" from PC
Tools. It removed all the spyware junk, including the file in the registry
that keep restarting the problem. No problem since, and I still don't run a
full anti-virus program. Spyware Doctor runs in the background, doesn't
seem to slow the computer down at all, automatically updates, scans and
fixes any suspicious files, malware or cookies that may have been picked up.
I haven't had any issues since installing it.

I am also not an addicted web surfer either, so maybe it just hasn't
happened yet.

I like Firefox. Actually, I really don't see a huge difference using it as
compared to IE.
The only annoying issue with it is setting the text size. You can increase
or decrease it easily from the default, but you have to do it every time the
program starts. It would be nice if it could be set and stay set even after
closing and then restarting Firefox.

Eisboch

On Thu, 06 Dec 2007 12:44:50 GMT, Short Wave Sportfishing
wrote:


If I could I would cancel Norton.

The problem is I don't know what to replace it with.

I've been using the free versions of AVG and Zone Alarm
for a couple years, and both have done the trick, AVG
detecting virii, and ZA detecting attempted intrusions,
and "successful" intrusions that attempt to connect to the net.
You might be surprised at how many legit applications do net
connections.
Since AVG/ZA work so well I haven't bothered buying the paid versions,
which offer "tweaking" and more control.
I've gone in the direction of simplicity of late, and it's working.
I do Ghost my OS, and used to reinstall an image if I suspected
malware, but haven't had to do that since installing AVG and ZA.
I have never used CR as an authority on anything, but just as an
additional voice. There is far more computer hardware/software
expertise to be found on the net and NGs than in CR.

--Vic

Vic Smith wrote:
On Thu, 06 Dec 2007 12:44:50 GMT, Short Wave Sportfishing
wrote:


If I could I would cancel Norton.

The problem is I don't know what to replace it with.

I've been using the free versions of AVG and Zone Alarm
for a couple years, and both have done the trick, AVG
detecting virii, and ZA detecting attempted intrusions,
and "successful" intrusions that attempt to connect to the net.
You might be surprised at how many legit applications do net
connections.
Since AVG/ZA work so well I haven't bothered buying the paid versions,
which offer "tweaking" and more control.
I've gone in the direction of simplicity of late, and it's working.
I do Ghost my OS, and used to reinstall an image if I suspected
malware, but haven't had to do that since installing AVG and ZA.
I have never used CR as an authority on anything, but just as an
additional voice. There is far more computer hardware/software
expertise to be found on the net and NGs than in CR.

--Vic


I'm using a Russian setup I paid for on my VISTA machine, mainly because
it seems to have a lighter footprint AND it has support forums
frequented by folks who really know their stuff and are ready, willing
and able to help immediately with any idiosyncracies and to crap on the
few "Reggie" types who find their way in there.

"Short Wave Sportfishing" wrote in message
...
On Thu, 6 Dec 2007 03:36:08 -0500, "Eisboch" wrote:


I've been reading the various comments regarding Vista versus XP (while
mentally filtering some of the personal BS expressed by some) and have
reached the conclusion that I'll stick with XP for as long as I can.

I've stayed out of this, but I will say this.

My brother runs a huge IT operation and knows his stuff when it comes
to this.

His very words: "Don't buy Vista - it's going to be a diaster - stick
with XP because Vista will last only as long as it takes to build
another XP - it's going to become the ME of the MS ops line."

My wife used to have issues with her two computers until we
finally disabled Norton in them (at the advice of a computer guru). No
problems since. I had one spyware infection on my home laptop a while
back
and SpyDoctor cured it.

If I could I would cancel Norton.

The problem is I don't know what to replace it with.

Norton, I got rid of when it kept locking up the previous desktop computer.
I went to AVG Free and works great. Used it a couple of years now. The
laptop came with McAfee, and just did not like it. Do not remember exactly
why. After a year, I went to AVG Free on the laptop.

His very words: "Don't buy Vista - it's going to be a diaster - stick
with XP because Vista will last only as long as it takes to build
another XP - it's going to become the ME of the MS ops line."

I've said that ever since I was released from my testing NDA. It *is* a
disaster. Sure it will work for many, maybe the majority of folks, BUT...
not as well as XP. The eye candy is what sells everyone on it, and I will
admit, it's pretty cool. However, it's NOT cool enough to make up for it's
faults.

All my home computers (3) are XP, and the 6 computers at my office are as
well. It'll stay that way until they come up with something better. AAMOF,
we have another computer at my office that still runs Win98SE! It has
property management software on it that we can't get to work on anything
newer. We could upgrade the software for a cost of $40,000.00 but we decided
it'd be cheaper to continue to run 98 on that one system... duhhh g

--Mike

"Short Wave Sportfishing" wrote in message
...
On Thu, 6 Dec 2007 03:36:08 -0500, "Eisboch" wrote:


I've been reading the various comments regarding Vista versus XP (while
mentally filtering some of the personal BS expressed by some) and have
reached the conclusion that I'll stick with XP for as long as I can.

I've stayed out of this, but I will say this.

My brother runs a huge IT operation and knows his stuff when it comes
to this.

His very words: "Don't buy Vista - it's going to be a diaster - stick
with XP because Vista will last only as long as it takes to build
another XP - it's going to become the ME of the MS ops line."

My wife used to have issues with her two computers until we
finally disabled Norton in them (at the advice of a computer guru). No
problems since. I had one spyware infection on my home laptop a while
back
and SpyDoctor cured it.

If I could I would cancel Norton.

The problem is I don't know what to replace it with.