Is it worth paying extra?

Hi, Im looking to buy Norton Internet Security. I can get the 2006 version for £25 while the 2007 version is £45. Is it really worth paying all that much extra? Is there really a difference and surely the 2006 version still updates its virus definitions every so often.

Also is Norton the way to go? Or do you reccomend a different one?

Thanks in advance.

 

Norton is a big nono for alot of people, sinply put that they are a huge resource hog, and aren't that effective. There are also free anti virus programs which in some cases are alot better then Norton.

 

I know that there are free anti virus programs but I would also like firewall etc. aswell.

 

Consider avast!, AVG or kapersky...all are free and use fewer resources than norton/mcafee. If you are just a casual computer user, either edition will probably be fine. I don't really have any complaints with norton other than it doesn't utilize resources effectively as other programs.

 

And what would you call a casual computer user?

 

If you have a hardware firewall (if you have a router, you probably do), then unless you want to see what's leaving your computer, a software firewall isn't really necessary IMO.

 

I have wireless internet yes.

 

Norton has outstanding detection rates, and the 07 version is a decent improvement on resource usage. The computer will take slightly longer to boot, but it doesn't load as much as it used to. It's really not a bad all-in-one choice.

I'd say Kaspersky would be the best choice for an Internet Security suite that has it all. It's good on resources, excellent at detection, and quick to scan. It is NOT free, but the good programs aren't anyway. I'd say go for a paid version for superior protection. AVG and Avast are NOT better at detection and prevention than Norton or Kaspersky. Both of those free programs have paid versions that update more frequently and include more features in their engines. Go for 07 or Kaspersky. Norton 07 is a good improvement on 06, and worth the extra money. Otherwise Kaspersky is really the way to go.

 

Wow im so confused. Thanks for all your help guys. I downloaded avast! just to try it out, it seems ok but I dont like the interface one bit or the creepy guy that tells me I have a virus. I think Il stick to what I know and get norton 2007.

 

NOD32 and Zonelabs ftw

 

I'm using Norton 06 (came with notebook upon purchase) at the moment and I have the demo of 07 on my desktop computer, I have yet to see any major differences besides for pop up warnings and other virus definitions and such. I'm not a heavy computer user anyway so I'm not exactly worried about malicious bugs and such attack my computers when I'm on the internet.

I always like to be up to date with my programs though, it just makes me feel more secure and in charge of my computer, the reason why I haven't upgraded my Norton is that I have found NOD32 which is better in my opinion.

 

I use Avast, Its the best to me so far.

I hate Norton 2006. When I was still using Norton, I would use the 2002 version. It does just as good as a job and is Much less bloated.

 

I have been testing the Norton 06 that came with my HP 6149t. After a week or so I am already tired of the interface. BIG screens and noises telling me everything is OK. I had Mcafee on my old laptop and even with everything on I noticed less BS popups.

I would like to know when something is wrong. Has anyone used Computer Associates? I have a copy but wanted to test Norton, Big and Bulky, while it was free.

 

Yea, the popups with norton have been a pain too. Why must it popup to tell me it's learning every 10min? I don't care about that nonsense.

Avast only pops up when there is a problem or when it's been updated. I can't get enough of the talking update popup. Pretty cool.

 

I have used Norton 2006 System Works and yes it is a resource hog. My subscrption too is going to expire in a about a month. I like Norton, but I am seriously thinking about buying Kerperskys.