Norton Utilities....Any good

For the last 7 years i have always used Norton utilities. I like the winDoctor/diskDoctor programs because it appears that it is fixing problems on my computer.

I just ordered a new laptop (vista 64bit) and wanted your guys opinion, is Norton utilities any good? are there any other programs that do similar things? (especially if they are free )

Thanks

 

What exactly does Norton utilities do? I've never used it and I usually hate the Norton products.

 

I haven't used norton utilities for years. I personally use TuneUp Utilities but look at this site:

http://pc-system-utilities-software-review.toptenreviews.com/

 

I don't think there even is a version of Norton "Utilities" that works for vista, is there? The last was for Windows 95.

Norton Systemworks, which is the spiritual successor of Utilities I guess, has the following:

* Antispyware
There are free alternatives out there.
* Antivirus
There are better alternatives out there than Norton/Symantec. I recommend Nod32 or Kaspersky.
* Internet worm protection
See above.
* System performance optimization
There are better defragmentors out there. Diskeeper 2007 Pro Premier for example.
* System restore
Windows has one built in.
* File recovery
There are free standalones for this, and better commercial packages as well.

Basically, in a nutshell, no it's not really useful at all, and there are better standalone alternatives out there, and Norton has always had the reputation for being bloated. I stopped using "Utilities" after Win 95, but even back then it slowed the system down insanely.

The AV programs in there from Norton tend to be bloated too (although the 2007 versions aren't so bad).

 

WinDoctor fixes window problems (i.e. system files, application's that don't launch and registry errors)...i am probably naive but always felt like running this keeps my computer in good shape

Edit: Its Norton Utilities which is part of Norton SystemWorks

 

Well I don't really see a need for it.
But I guess it depends on how good you are with computers.

You can just get a registry cleaner to clear up your registry once and awhile (a good free one is CCleaner - note that I don't know if they have a vista version).

As for spyware and all that stuff I just use Ad-aware and spybot. I use AVG free version for my anti virus. I don't pay for any of these things since they're all free.

I've never had a problem with an application that wouldn't launch. If I get a big problem with my computer (an important file was deleted somehow or something keeps on crashing) then I will simply format my computer and start over.

So I guess it really depends on you and if you really need it.
I'm not really sure how good Norton Utilities is or if there are any better alternatives, sorry I can't be much help.

 

I agree with the other poster - if you're going to get a utility software - tune-up utlities definitely gets my plug...

Reg Cleaner
Undelete
VERY NICE registry editor
Disk space explorer

I haven't used norton since they took out the registry editor..which I think was after windows 98.

And norton has always been bloated...spyware, firewall, are built into the OS - and AVG or Avast has free AV Software.

You can do better.

Dont' fear change...

 

Thanks for your opinions, i think I'm going to try the free stuff first and see how that goes.

 

Norton was the first thing I removed from my dv9000z. I have successfully used both Avast and AVG antivirus programs on my Vista Ultimate system. (not at the same time) As has been mentioned, Ad-Aware, Spybot, and CCleaner are all good programs that play well with Vista. Norton is just such a resource hog and just didn't play well with other programs for me. Many people like Norton and do not have any issues but I have not had any luck with it. With the programs mentioned in this thread and system restore, you should be able to keep your system clean and running fast and smooth.