Norton AV - Old versus new versions

[Theodoric]

The thread on Norton renewal brings to mind a question that occasionally occurs to me.

I have Norton AV 2002 that came with my Dell computer and I religiously pay the annual update fee. Because of all the horror stories that I have seen about Norton 2004, I have no intention of leaving Norton 2002. As I get regular virus definition updates, I cannot see, in relation to the AV function only - ignore all the new bells and whistles - what particular advantage moving from Norton 2002 would bring me.

[Paul]

Pass

Key Features

* NEW! Nortonâ„¢ Internet Worm Protection stops certain damaging Internet worms at their attempted point of entry.

* NEW! QuickScan tool automatically searches for and removes viruses whenever new virus protection updates are downloaded.

* ENHANCED! PreInstall Scan quickly detects and removes infections that can interfere with installing and launching Norton AntiVirus.

* Automatically removes viruses, worms, and Trojan horses.

* Scans and cleans both incoming and outgoing email messages.

* Blocks viruses in instant message attachments.

* Detects spyware and certain non-virus threats such as adware and keystroke logging programs.

* Scans compressed file archives before you open them and risk infecting your computer. (Available only on Windows® XP/2000 Pro.)

* Downloads new virus protection updates automatically to protect against new threats.*

* Worm Blocking and Script Blocking can detect new threats even before virus protection updates are created for them.

[Theodoric]

Originally Posted by Paul

Pass

Well, Norton would say the spiel below, wouldn't they. Are there any independent views on the matter. In other words, is it just window dressing or are there major improvemements. Offhand.

Key Features

* NEW! Nortonâ„¢ Internet Worm Protection stops certain damaging Internet worms at their attempted point of entry.

* NEW! QuickScan tool automatically searches for and removes viruses whenever new virus protection updates are downloaded. Just saves a bit of time. Not a major improvement.

* ENHANCED! PreInstall Scan quickly detects and removes infections that can interfere with installing and launching Norton AntiVirus. Why not do a pre-scan with one of the many online virus checkers?

* Automatically removes viruses, worms, and Trojan horses. Norton 2002 allows automatic virus cleaning.

* Scans and cleans both incoming and outgoing email messages. Norton 2002 does email virus checking.

* Blocks viruses in instant message attachments. Don't use instant messaging.

* Detects spyware and certain non-virus threats such as adware and keystroke logging programs. I've got Sygate, Spybot and a-Squared for free

* Scans compressed file archives before you open them and risk infecting your computer. (Available only on Windows® XP/2000 Pro.) Doesn't Norton 2002 allow this?

* Downloads new virus protection updates automatically to protect against new threats.* Er, Norton 2002 automatically downloads new virus definitions every few days. Every now and then I press the update button as well.

* Worm Blocking and Script Blocking can detect new threats even before virus protection updates are created for them. I wouldn't know
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[Paul]

To be honest it doesn't seem to do anything that the right group of free tools does just as well. I suppose you are paying for the fact that it does them all in one package.
I don't mind having 3-4 programs covering the same things, especially if i can control if and when each program runs, updates or scans. If one goes wrong then it's just a case of removing that one tool and re-installing it unlike Norton which can be a bit intrusive at times.
If the old version is doing the job and is still supported with updates then the only reason to change would be if the new software did a better job or covered more situations.

[dragon]

i prefer nod32 to norton antivirus www.nod32.com

and it seems to update its signitures more often than norton

mine sometimes updates is signiture files twice or more per day