Question:
How do you really disable all automatic scans (not auto-protect)?
Details:
I've searched the forums and found a few semi-related topics but most were about laptops and battery life. What I want to do is disable all scans (including idle time) and only have Norton scan when I actually execute a full scan. I already have "Full system scan" set to "do not schedule" but for some reason, Norton insists on scanning my PC when I step away.
The problem is that usually when I step away, I've left the computer doing something like compiling in Visual Studio 2008, compressing a video or copying large volumes of files across the network. Having Norton decide to "run background tasks -> full system scan" makes the activities take longer to the point they're usually not finished when I get back.
I don't want to use "silent mode" because that also disrupts the firewall. I've seen the firewall, while in silent mode, add "allow" rules to programs that I've set to "custom" which is unacceptable.
Summary:
Norton's background activities should be able to be turned off completely. Aside from auto-protect, I don't really need Norton to run scans except for LiveUpdate sessions, specifically scheduled times or when I invoke it manually.
In the scan schedule, have you checked the option to Run the Scan Only at Idle Time?
By design, when LiveUpdate runs in the background, if there is a virus definition update, a quick scan will be performed to verify your system is protected from any new malware covered in the new definitions. This quick scan should not be affecting your system as much as the full scan running.
peterweb wrote:
In the scan schedule, have you checked the option to Run the Scan Only at Idle Time?
By design, when LiveUpdate runs in the background, if there is a virus definition update, a quick scan will be performed to verify your system is protected from any new malware covered in the new definitions. This quick scan should not be affecting your system as much as the full scan running.
In the "Full System Scan -> Edit Scan" dialog I have seleced "Do not schedule" and unchecked "Only at idle time". I also have automatic LiveUpdate turned off.
I don't mind a QuickScan after LiveUpdate because I trigger that manually once per week. I'm just trying to tweak Norton on this particular PC to make it less intrusive. I have a schedule that I manually run LiveUpdate and a full scan once per week so I don't need Norton to hold my hand so much.
Sometimes I think these companies, who develop a product with the midset that everyone's a brainless user, forget that there actually are some tech-savvy users out there that like to do things a little more old fashioned and hands on.
Although you have the scans set to no schedule, try selecting Only at Idle. That way if your system is in use, nothing should run.
peterweb wrote:
Although you have the scans set to no schedule, try selecting Only at Idle. That way if your system is in use, nothing should run.
I actually started with that, turned it off and eventually posted here.
Norton evidently doesn't conisider CPU usage as "in use". Similar to Windows screensaver, it seems to only consider keyboard and mouse activity so even if Visual Studio is running at 75% CPU, the scan will start if I'm not there to touch something.