Symantec vs. Spybot

[Synergy6]

The concept of norton protected recycled bin is more than just a simple kernel mode hook (often called a 'rootkit'). So i think its a bit unfair to comment about that.

Ok, I take the point. But, to be perfectly honest, I would prefer if the software I used didn't make any hooks on my kernel, especially when it doesn't exactly make its activities obvious. Whether that is or is not nominally a "rootkit" wasn't really my main notion.
Synergy6

[just_laze]

I am a particular fan of Avast! Anti-Virus co-existing with Spybot S&D, two great pieces of software both of which are free.

Symantec are playing Bully.

[TheAnimus]

Ok, I take the point. But, to be perfectly honest, I would prefer if the software I used didn't make any hooks on my kernel, especially when it doesn't exactly make its activities obvious. Whether that is or is not nominally a "rootkit" wasn't really my main notion.
Synergy6

Un-install your anti-virus, some software firewalls (well all actually as an 'NDIS' filter is a kernel mode hook).

When something wants admin rights to install, except it to play with system features. A rootkit is nothing to be concerned about, no more so than regular kernelmode/usermode code, if the code's well written, and not doing nasty things, your fine.

[moby_matt]

I find it incredible that a big company like Symantec has felt the need to be hostile towards Patrick when all he does is make a great little program that he doesn't demand any money for (please donate a couple of quid to help cover his costs). That fact that NAV (and most other Symantec apps) has become less effective with each revision, goes to show that they are not coming up with the goods... Eset's Nod32 (also available in business/corporate form) is a far superior product. Does what it says with the minimum of fuss - recommend it. End of.

If Patrick is reading this, then can I suggest you start a petition that can be put forward to any relevent governing body to stop this madness. Anti-trust? You bet!

Take care.

Matt.

[Synergy6]

Un-install your anti-virus, some software firewalls (well all actually as an 'NDIS' filter is a kernel mode hook).

When something wants admin rights to install, except it to play with system features. A rootkit is nothing to be concerned about, no more so than regular kernelmode/usermode code, if the code's well written, and not doing nasty things, your fine.

When I uninstall my firewall and antivirus *none* of it is left behind. Not the case with Protected Bin. Hence my point. Anyway, this is far OT.
Synergy6

[ifyouknowme]

used norton once biggest pile of s**t ive ever used now use avast free addtion and its great

[Mike Fishcake]

In our workshop at work, anytime anyone brings their own PC in for repair, complains it's running slowly, and they have norton on, we tell them to remove norton, which will speed it up and get it working again, and most of the time, they don't complain of it running slowly again. In fact, done that twice already today!

[MrChris]

im somewhat disheartened after reading this...
i dont use norton antivirus but i use their norton windoctor system tools for defragging etc??? is this a good choice??
and ive heard of avast but never really used it even if its free? is this good to

[fuddam]

I use Executive Software Diskeeper for defragging. Used to use Speedisk but became nauseous after too much contact with a Norton product



Diskeeper hasn't given me any grief in a year or so of using it. Have versions 8 & 9

and Acronis TrueImage instead of Norton Ghost - very happy with it too

[SHISH]

We stopped using both Ghost in favour of Acronis (very responsive team) and any Symantec corporate stuff last year and have had a lot less trouble with our installs.
Personally, I still use Norton AV but I would happily do without it in favour of Spybot which is now and always has been an excellent program.
Shame on Symantec, they`re getting lazy and losing the plot and will pay for it sooner rather than later

[moby_matt]

I use Executive Software Diskeeper for defragging. Used to use Speedisk but became nauseous after too much contact with a Norton product



Diskeeper hasn't given me any grief in a year or so of using it. Have versions 8 & 9

and Acronis TrueImage instead of Norton Ghost - very happy with it too

O & O Defrag is a very nice tool too. You can have dynamic operation where it will only run when the fragmentation reaches a certain point - not hogging all system resources either (though you WILL experience a bit of slowdown).

Matt.

[Vimeous]

Sadly the Norton lesson is something I learnt something like 10 years ago. Their original AV software was horrendously unstable and self-propogated throughout it's 'host' until it eventually died, usually when attempting a full uninstall.

The only Norton product I've ever used that I can honestly recommend is Ghost. There may be others worth their price-tag but frankly their AV is so abysmal (neigh virralent) that I find it extremely hard to pursuede myself to attempt to test them, even on a dedicated test setup!

[Ljuboja]

Spybot easily

I cant believe Spybot is being compared to Symantec.