Just to let you know, on my last computer I had installed spysweeper. It was the first anti-spyware program I had ever used. And, everyone seemed to rate it really high up so I bought it. Although it cleaned “most” of the spyware on my computer, it slowed my system down. I also had 3 issues with the program over the 1st year and had to reinstall it over and over. When the software expired I started getting updates from the company saying that in a scan it found several different spywares on my system and I needed to re-subscribe. So, I bought another years subscription just to be safe. When the system ran the scan, not a single spyware was on my system. What a scam. I think that is what angered me the most. I seriously do not like to be conned. And, over the next 6 months it kept messing up my system. I was never able to uninstall the software. Buyer Beware!

My experience with Stopzilla has been great so far.

NAV 2008 works well after a few days of being installed on my system. I have never experienced (knock on wood) many of the problems experienced by some here, year after year. I have been a user of this since 2001 and can report no such similar problems; in fact, over the years Norton has caught several viruses before they could do damage to my system.

That being said, the one change made to NAV this year which I do not like at all, is the inability to choose exactly which updates you want to download, as was possible with NAV 2007. You are able to view Details of what is downloaded AFTER the download process is complete and done, but not until then. There are times when an install of an update conflicts with something on your system, and you may need revert the drive and install it at a later time. This years’ version does not give you that option! It simply runs through the update process and informs you when everything is downloaded. I do not like companies which treat the consumer as a child and think they know what is best for you and your system. I do not necessarily install Microsoft “critical” updates either just because Microsoft says to; as many (IE7 being the most notable) are not critical, but Microsoft wants you to install them. I will have to deduct one star for Symantec taking this backward step.

One day these companies will learn that consumers should be free to pick and choose precisely what goes onto their system.

First off let me qualify my review a bit: I’m a software developer and systems architect. I have a B.S. in Computer Science and a B.A. in Mathematics. It’s safe to say I know my way around my own computer.

That said, I regret ever purchasing this software and wish I had stuck to any number of freely available antivirus solutions out there that are far less bloated. Rest assured, I have since uninstalled this software, but I’m still out the cash.

Because my livelihood and my consulting business depends on the performance and stability of my systems, I keep my computers – especially those I use for development – in absolute pristine shape. There is never any unnecessary software installed, drives are never fragmented, and only the necessary services are running.

Unfortunately, installing Norton Antivirus 2008 has brought my productivity and efficiency to an absolute screeching halt. Immediately prior to installing the software, my system would boot in 15 – 20 seconds. It now takes 5 minutes, and no, I am not exaggerating. It boots to Windows XP in approximately 2 to 3 minutes, but the system isn’t usable – due to whatever the heck Norton is trying to do in the background – for another 2 minutes or so. I’ve tried numerous configurations of the software, such as disabling real-time scanning, etc., but to no avail.

I’m sure plenty will assume I’m trying to run this on a Pentium II 233MHz (and since installing this software, that’s what it feels like), so here are my system specs:

- Intel E6600 2.4GHz Core 2 Duo
- 2GB Corsair low-latency RAM
- eVGA 8800GTS
- Windows XP Pro

Performance never has been, and should not be, any problem whatsoever.

Norton needs to understand that people don’t buy computers just so they have the privilege of using Norton Antivirus. We buy computers for personal and financial reasons. We use your software out of necessity. Our computing needs and desires do not center around YOUR software. You need to find a way to get this garbage to run without bringing very capable systems to their knees.

First off let me qualify my review a bit: I’m a software developer and systems architect. I have a B.S. in Computer Science and a B.A. in Mathematics. It’s safe to say I know my way around my own computer.

That said, I regret ever purchasing this software and wish I had stuck to any number of freely available antivirus solutions out there that are far less bloated. Rest assured, I have since uninstalled this software, but I’m still out the cash.

Because my livelihood and my consulting business depends on the performance and stability of my systems, I keep my computers – especially those I use for development – in absolute pristine shape. There is never any unnecessary software installed, drives are never fragmented, and only the necessary services are running.

Unfortunately, installing Norton Antivirus 2008 has brought my productivity and efficiency to an absolute screeching halt. Immediately prior to installing the software, my system would boot in 15 – 20 seconds. It now takes 5 minutes, and no, I am not exaggerating. It boots to Windows XP in approximately 2 to 3 minutes, but the system isn’t usable – due to whatever the heck Norton is trying to do in the background – for another 2 minutes or so. I’ve tried numerous configurations of the software, such as disabling real-time scanning, etc., but to no avail.

I’m sure plenty will assume I’m trying to run this on a Pentium II 233MHz (and since installing this software, that’s what it feels like), so here are my system specs:

- Intel E6600 2.4GHz Core 2 Duo
- 2GB Corsair low-latency RAM
- eVGA 8800GTS
- Windows XP Pro

Performance never has been, and should not be, any problem whatsoever.

Norton needs to understand that people don’t buy computers just so they have the privilege of using Norton Antivirus. We buy computers for personal and financial reasons. We use your software out of necessity. Our computing needs and desires do not center around YOUR software. You need to find a way to get this garbage to run without bringing very capable systems to their knees.

For years I sweared by NORTON – until two years ago it got so heavy and demanding it slowed my computer to a crawl. Then I gave McAFEE a try which, although lighter, pestered me with pop-up messages. When that license expired I gave KASPERSKY Internet Security a try: real secure feeling and detailed settings control; however, a number of internet applications, although given full internet access, were slowed to a trickle.

A couple of months ago I downloaded the AVG AV & ANTI-SPYWARE as a 30-day trial. I liked it so much, I gave their INTERNET SECURITY a try too!
Yes, THIS IS THE ONE!

Light, heuristically effective (it even found a malware that KASPESKY failed to locate – and KASPERSKY has the best reputation on cleaning out everything!), no conflicts, email integration (although not with ThunderBird yet, a minor glitch), excellent AI and quiet.
This is legendary AntiVirus that blew the whistle on BIOSHOCK’s RootKit!

It may seem a bit pricey, yet keep in mind that it comes with a 2 YEAR license, not the usual 12 months that most other Security applications come with.

If you already have a Firewall solution (no, I don’t mean the one Windows comes with, that is a joke – the best free one is ZONE ALARM) THIS IS WHAT YOU NEED. If, however, you want a comprehensive Security solution, try AVG INTERNET SECURITY instead.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

UPDATE [April 26, 2008]: AVG offered the FREE option to upgrade to v8.0 for the remainder of the license to every customer that had bought v7.5. Now, THIS is a company that knows how to built customer loyalty!

If you aren’t real knowledgable about computers you can STILL install this program and its ready to run as is. But if you are a little bit computer savy it is EASY to set-up NOD32. I did NOT find it difficult like the reviews kept saying. One thing I really LOVED about it was I’ve had a problem for a year now with google earth. I downloaded it and I could NEVER get it to shut down completely. (It kind of took over my computer.) The minute I ran NOD32 with its “In Depth Analysis” it found the problem with google earth and CORRECTED it. That alone made my day and showed me how good this program is. That’s just for starters. This has to be the BEST AV out there. Nothing gets by NOD32.

I’d really like to know why they keep saying its NOT for the average user? This program is no more difficult then any other AV? These people must be talking about total NEWBIES? Its not that difficult and if you DO know about about computers and programs there is SO MUCH you can do with NOD32 that you can’t with other AV.

I have a top of the line Dell laptop and was worried about NOD32 slowing it down. But it is JUST as fast as before, maybe faster without Trend Micro on here. You can’t even tell I installed the program. My husband installed it on HIS laptop to and is just as happy if not more then me. He is really good with computers and he doesn’t think anything out there can top NOD32 at present. NOD32 scans my computer so FAST! I also love how easy it is to run an IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS that checks everything in your computer. If there is anything there it WILL find it.

I HIGHLY recommend NOD32. I’ve tried Norton AV, Trend Micro, McAfee and you name it and NOD32 blows them away. Absolutely NO comparison. I’m so glad I bought this. Everything about NOD32 is flawless. I don’t undertand the people that are saying their computer came to a complete halt once it was installed? Did you people FOLLOW the instrutions? You Have to UN-INSTALL your current AV on your computer FIRST. Find all the files if some were missed in the un-install and then install NOD32…its quick, simple, easy and ready to go the minute you have it loaded. I say this is a GREAT buy…I wouldn’t have anything else on my computer but NOD32. I have NOD32 and Zone Alarm as my fire wall and this computer is still smoking fast. Love NOD32…if you want the best…this is it.

Jan