Computer techs dump on Norton

Norton Security | Norton Internet Security
1

I had a weird computer problem- my Vista windows Mail program had trouble sending out email- sometimes it would go and often it wouldn't, then I could try again and it would. I had no idea what the problem was. So, I went to 2 local computer repair shops. Both asked what my AV program is and when I said Norton, they both looked ill  - both said Norton is a terrible program.

 

at least the second tech I spoke to recommended seeing if changing the outgoing server port number might work- so I called my provider, Time-Warner- the TW tech gave me a new port number, and voila, it worked! Why the old number stopped working, I don't know- but, luckily it wasn't a virus/malware problem

 

I've now been using Norton for several years. I like it. So far, no infestation of maleware- it's easy to use, it has lots of features--- but I'd like to know why so many computer techs diss the program?

Joe

2

I can't help on the Port number situation but I'm sure someone can -- can you say what the previous and the changed to port numbers were?

 

I use RoadRunner and haven't had your problem but I'll confirm that their techies are first class in solving problems. I had a loss of service and gave up with the firstline support on the phone bill when they said it would be 2 days before they could send someone to check my TV (which was OK -- it was my internet that was down!) and phoned the local contact number I had for support. The techie said "Hold on a moment" and then came back saying "There are a group of 9 modems down in your area -- we'll get a team out immediately" And it was there shortly afterwards when I went out to the grocery store!

 

He gave me a bit of advice -- if you have a problem with their service check neighbors and if they have it too get them to phone in since if they get more than 4 calls from an area it automatically gets priority support !

 

<<  but I'd like to know why so many computer techs diss the program?  >>

 

Several reasons especially if they mention things like it slows your computer down ....

 

 1 -- They are hopelessly out of date in their knowledge. Until 2009 this became increasingly true but from the 2010 versions onwards Norton rewrote the programs from scratch and they are now rated as one of the lightest footed security effective programs around.

 

 2 -- Hate to say it but perhaps they get more profit or other benefits from other programs -- this came way up top the other day in a major box store where I asked a question about Norton and they reply was: We don't recommend it now. The best program is XXXXX which offers a free malware removal service by remote control of your computer and if that does not succeed or if it cripples your computer (!!!) they send an onsite technician to fix it for you all free of charge .....

 

NOTE -- The store has to have your computer first and verify that it has no other security program installed on it (fancy that!) and that it is completely clean and then install this program/service. And no mention of price up front or per year .....

 

When asked the name of the AV Program there was a lot of mumbling and looking at cribsheets but I never heard the name clearly ......

 

 3 -- Sheer ignorance or bloodymindedness due to one bad experience, often by someone else who heard it from their wife's cousin ....

 

If you are happy with your Norton stick with it.

 

If you are not happy tell us about it and I'm sure someone can help resolve it .....

3
JoeZ wrote:

I had a weird computer problem- my Vista windows Mail program had trouble sending out email- sometimes it would go and often it wouldn't, then I could try again and it would. I had no idea what the problem was. So, I went to 2 local computer repair shops. Both asked what my AV program is and when I said Norton, they both looked ill  - both said Norton is a terrible program.

 

at least the second tech I spoke to recommended seeing if changing the outgoing server port number might work- so I called my provider, Time-Warner- the TW tech gave me a new port number, and voila, it worked! Why the old number stopped working, I don't know- but, luckily it wasn't a virus/malware problem

 

I've now been using Norton for several years. I like it. So far, no infestation of maleware- it's easy to use, it has lots of features--- but I'd like to know why so many computer techs diss the program?

Joe

Hi

 

First, file Hugh's post in the kudos.jpg    Excellent post :)

 

I've run into the same feedback with Norton among some store associates.  In my opinion. most of the negativity is due to past perceptions about Norton as Hugh mentioned.  I remember a few years ago when I was shopping around for my 2nd AV product, I wrote off Norton for this reason.  Norton's rep was mostly influenced by the "system hog" point of view, using excessive processor / memory resources on one's PC.

 

I'm one year into running Norton on my 2 PC's at home.  Since it's only been a year (I like to evaluate an AV after 2+ years to track intrusions that get past an AV's frontline protection), I'd grade Norton a solid "A".  I'm fairly certain that next year at this time, it'll be an "A+" .

 

Norton is my 3rd AV product in the last 10 years, the time that I began 'net use at home on my PC's.  During that time, my previous 2 AV's, both fairly well-known name products, failed at times to fully block atl effecs of intrusions into my PC. 

 

To be fair, they both did inform me with Sys Tray popup's at the time that the intrusions were detected and according to their logs, they quarantined the object but weren't able to completely deter all effects... the usual things, all Desktop icons unusuable, IE locked to one site, "scam" dialogs trying to tell me that my PC needs help with $$'s, etc.

 

My take on rating AV's is:

 

1) Word of mouth, friend's experiances are valuable.

 

I have several friends that have been using Norton for years with good results.

 

2) Testing an actual online threat at a site where it's known the site was infected.

 

I got to see Norton's punch.gif when I went to that site and Norton blocked the threat.   I knew about the threat since my friend had visited the site at the same time while were were talking on the phone.  He's running NIS and I have Norton 360.  We're both running Windows 7 x64.

 

The site mentioned is reputable and is on my daily 'net visit list, just to be clear :).  It wasn't one of those questionable / suspicious-looking sites.

 

I also tested my previous AV tool, one whose major selling point is it's reputation for streamlined PC resource usage.  This AV failed to block one of those "FBI" attacks, complete with the official-sounding "FBI" voice coming out of my speakers, and locking out my IE, etc.  :smileyvery-happy: . 

 

This test was perhaps the most impresive to me since when this happened, the situaion was identical to the one I mentioned previously.  I was on the phone with my friend and he was at the same site and his NIS tool sucessfully blocked that "FBI" intrusion. 

 

My PC's previous AV fumbled the ball and allowed that attack into my PC.  I laughed into the phone and my friend said "Wow, aren't you in for some headaches recovering/repairing your PC?"

 

I said "No problem.  I'll plug in my spare cloned HDD."  I was back up and running within a few minutes. That's my best advice for readers here; have an image and/or cloned spare HDD available for any infection scenario.  You'll be glad you did, believe me.

 

So far, I'm sailing along with 360 happy.gif     It appears that those bad-guy objects are scared of Nortton  scare.gif

 

Have a good day, all... I know I will fb.gif   :)

4

Perhaps, from the poiint of view of someone who makes their living repairing systems that are infected, Norton does make them sick - because it does such a good job.

Thus if the system is infected with Norton on it, it is much harder to clean up and takes longer and that cuts the techs ability to make a “quick kill”.

I also am of the belief that Hugh is correct. when I hear “Norton is a hog”, I always ask them when was the last time you used it?

5

I had a weird computer problem- my Vista windows Mail program had trouble sending out email- sometimes it would go and often it wouldn't, then I could try again and it would. I had no idea what the problem was. So, I went to 2 local computer repair shops. Both asked what my AV program is and when I said Norton, they both looked ill  - both said Norton is a terrible program.

 

at least the second tech I spoke to recommended seeing if changing the outgoing server port number might work- so I called my provider, Time-Warner- the TW tech gave me a new port number, and voila, it worked! Why the old number stopped working, I don't know- but, luckily it wasn't a virus/malware problem

 

I've now been using Norton for several years. I like it. So far, no infestation of maleware- it's easy to use, it has lots of features--- but I'd like to know why so many computer techs diss the program?

Joe

6

Maybe some of the rep, Norton has could also be to do with the system hog of a product etc up to and including 2008 products, before the re work and release of 2009 and later products.

 

The sometimes even with companies also there is Tall poppy syndrome.  The biiger they are the bigger the target.

 

Don't worry, when I find something wrong I give Symantec heck to, calling a spade a spade and if needed and they ask give them whatever info files or logs required also to help with what is the problem and why. They will tell you that.

 

I have also come accross PC techs who can't do what our group can do with tools in removing malware even though they are a PC tech  and think they can, doing all sorts and failing.  I wonder if they have a ill look on there face then.

 

Quads

7

Quads,

Could that be why it is important to verify the credentials of the 'expert' before letting them into your system? Maybe, when you can make time, you could list some of the agencies or organizations that do certify trained personnel as removalists or 'experts'. I've seen A+ certs as well as some from various manufacturers and UNITE for malware. Any others that can be trusted?

Thanks

8

Figure it out for yourself,   As I have said before I will not explain this area 

 

Quads