Computer Tech Question: If I have Norton Anti-virus, do I also need SpySweeper?

Self | November 23, 2007 | PJ-Comix

[PJ-Comix]

Okay, a question for you techies out there. I just renewed my Norton Anti-virus system and the renewal for my SpySweeper is coming up as well. Is it necessary to have SpySweeper also? If Norton Anti-Virus is sufficient then it doesn't make sense to renew SpySweeper. Some have said they might even be interfering with each other.

So to renew or not to renew SpySweeper? That is the question.

[PJ-Comix]

I have heard it invades every every area of your computer, but I am not an expert on the matter. I defer to many wiser Freepers.

Uh-oh!

[AlexW]

Oh, I also use FREE SpyBot...It is quite good.

[darkwing104]

I've should of asked eariler. What version of Norton is it?

[PJ-Comix]

Does that free SpyBot replace SpySweeper?

[TruthWillWin]

I recently bought 2 new computers for my business that came with Norton free for 90 days. I have had major problems getting the computers to network properly that were caused by Norton.

Other problems with Norton include a 13 step process to disable and turn back on when installing new software. All other virus protection software I've owned can be turned on and off with a simple right click of the mouse on the icon in the task bar.

[PJ-Comix]

Norton 2008.

[bcsco]

Virus software and spyware software are two different issues. You really need both.

Since you have Norton, I’d stay with that for your anti virus application. But I’d also download Ad-Aware and Spybot Search & Control (both free). They will handle spyware and trojans that Norton (or any other anti virus application won’t.

As far as Norton, do you have the full package (including firewall)? If not, I’d also be sure to get yourself behind a software firewall, if not a hardware firewall (router, whether wireless or wired). And if you’re firewall is a software application, I’d recommend getting a hardware firewall anyway. They’re the best type of firewall protection (and not expensive).

[PJ-Comix]

At this point it looks like I am stuck with Norton for another year but is there a free program out there that acts like SpySweeper so I don’t have to renew the latter?

[garyhope]

Go to http://www.newegg.com/

Great web site, great prices, no tax (unless you live in California) great review sections.

Did you mean dual CPU or dual core CPU?

I’ve got an AMD dual core and it’s still very good and fast, but I’ve read the Intel Core 2 Duo’s are better.

Both Intel and AMD now have Quad cores. May as well upgrade to one of those.

And as usual, both ASUS, Gigabyte and MSI seem to be the most popular mobo’s.

What will you be using your computer for mostly?

[AlexW]

I have not used spysweeper, but Spybot is well know worldwide. It is also European.
As for Avast:
www.avast.com

[darkwing104]

Not bad. It it part of the Norton 360 package? or just a stand alone?

[bcsco]

PJ:

You don’t want to use more than one anti virus application. If you have Norton, use it. If you don’t like Norton, go the Avast route. It’s fine software. But don’t use both!

[TruthWillWin]

I have both Avast and Spysweeper on my computer at home (free addition) and like them.

http://www.avast.com/eng/programs.html

http://www.superantispyware.com/download.html

[PJ-Comix]

I have Norton Anti-Virus version 12.8.0.4. I was told it includes Firewall.

[Still Thinking]

Yes. AVG does have a comprehensive internet security product but that is only available in the purchased package. The free one is anti0virus only. Since a year from now you will have paid the Norton subscription for this year and received a year of virus protection regardless of whether you switch to AVG now or in a year, I’d switch now. Norton doesn’t have a good reputation as a responsible citizen of your computer.

[Still Thinking]

I use Spybot and AdAware (free version) for spyware protection.

[AlexW]

By the way, you can run a free virus scan from Trend:

www.housecall.trendmicro.com/

I do it about once a month.

As others mention, run the Spybot every few weeks or so.
No need to buy a spyware program.

[TommyDale]

I run AVG AntiVirus. I also use in this order: Spybot Search & Destroy, then AdAware. It sometimes takes both spyware programs to catch everything, although lately this has become less of a problem, with Spybot doing a better job of updates.

I don’t think I would ever trust a single program to find all the spyware, since some of those programs leave their own traces.

[darkwing104]

Just for the firewall alone stay with Norton for now. You can switch when it it expires.

I use Avast on my X64 Machine, Norton 360 on the XP Entertainment Computer and McAffee on a third machine. All three are good but Norton has more bells and whistles. Despite what some people say here some of Norton's software is pretty damn good.

[Still Thinking]

Exactly. Who better to plant spyware than the sole anti-spyware program on a person’s computer? Therefore, I run Spybot and AdAware like you, both to keep an eye on each other and in case one of them has some item in its database that the other one won’t catch.