[longbelly]

I have used Norton IS for some years (currently 2005 version) and have been very satisfied except that it takes longer to boot up with the 2005 version. For renewal I am being offered Norton 360 0r Norton IS 2008 which I fear will slow me down even more. I favour changing to AVF Free plus a firewall, but am not sure which firewall is compatible. Do I go back to using the XP firewall? I am preferably looking for a combination that is best performance, low demand on PC resources and either free or good value.

My PC runs on XP-SP2 Athlon 1200 with 512 MB RAM.

[Jason]

If I was being honest, I would stay well clear of Norton. Based on my experience and others, Norton is nothing but a resource hog, and seems to create more problems than it fixes.

Instead, I suggest you try Zone Alarm free firewall. I've used it for years, and it has never let me down. Best of all -- it's FREE!

[longbelly]

Thanks for your advice. Would ZoneAlarm be fully compatible with AVF Free? Some years ago I tried Kerio combines with AVG and had to uninstall because of the problems?

I like your quote by the way.

[golferbob]

i myself use avg free with comodo free firewall.

http://www.personalfirewall.comodo.c..._firewall.html

[gr277]

NORTON???.................NEVER!!

It will totally take over your machine, slowing down everything....It just behaves as if it is the ONLY programe on the computer, and the computer runs for its benefit....Stay away from it...

[Jason]

Originally Posted by longbelly

Thanks for your advice. Would ZoneAlarm be fully compatible with AVF Free? Some years ago I tried Kerio combines with AVG and had to uninstall because of the problems?

Yes, since I used to use AVG alongside Zone Alarm.

Originally Posted by longbelly

I like your quote by the way.

Thanks. I use it most places I go, since it is a very true statement.

[longbelly]

It looks like I will change to AVG Free, but can I rely on the XP firewall?

[mrss]

Originally Posted by longbelly

but can I rely on the XP firewall?

Only if you don't care about stopping outbound trojans. XP has no power over them.

[longbelly]

Thanks all, it seems that between Stoke-on-Trent and Chicago we have got there. Don't use Norton. So my choice is between the free option (AVG plus comodo or XP firewall?) or a paid all-inclusive option such Comodo that will do it all.

[Jason]

Have you given Zone Alarm a try? You can pay for a firewall if you wish, but these "free" ones are just as good.

[golferbob]

along with avg ,comcodo ,i also use spamihilator .i have it set on high ,i get no spam in my inbox.


http://www.spamihilator.com/

[Jason]

I recently tried eMail ID -- been impressed thus far.

Trend Micro™ eMail ID is a browser plug-in that helps you identify legitimate email messages in your inbox. It uses a two-step check to verify the authenticity of messages from hundreds of major companies, and then displays the result in the “from” area so that you’ll know what’s real. This helps you avoid opening and acting on phishing messages attempting to spoof real companies.

Please note: THIS IS STILL BETA AND TO BE USED AT YOUR OWN RISK!

[xrztrx]

use comodo with avg that firewall is actually better than some firewalls where you have to pay. Edit : so far its currently the best firewall there is

[longbelly]

The best thing I ever did! I have now changed from Norton IS and installed Comodo and AVG free and I can now boot up my computer in half the time! And it's all free! That's got to be good! So thanks for your input!