Symantec Kills Norton -- SOHO Solution Sought!

[reader]

Like many others, I have a small home network (wired and wireless) that absolutely, positively can't be without anti-virus protection.

For the umpteenth time, my Norton Internet Security program has stopped...with the message that I've activated it too many times. (Hey, I DIDN'T! I followed their uninstall/re-install instructions to try to get Automatic Updates to work...they never have.)

I have 3-5 computers that need protection and am trying out McAfee's "Managed Anti-Virus ASaP" -- that basically links you to a website for regular updates. It doesn't appear to be much different from all the others in that regard...you just download all your software to each machine on your network via a supplied weblink.

I also see that AVG has a similar program that you can use with a single license for up to 5 users.

Any thoughts on these two products?

I've been a Peter Norton fan since the early 80's. Loved the ol' Disk Doctor! But Symantec's stumbling software combined with that endless-loop-endless-frustration "knowledgebase" they call a support site has me looking elsewhere.

Thanks!

[YeOldeStonecat]

Esets NOD32 is my favorite antivirus program.
Symantecs retail products...I'm not fond of. I only like their Corporate Edition/Small Business Edition antivirus products, but those are licensed towards business networks, minimum 5 users and up, so not an economic solution for most home users. However you have 5 rigs....so take a look at that.
Else, NOD32 is my vote. They also have a networked version, similar to Symantecs Corporate Edition.

When you see "networked versions" of antivirus software...you generally setup 1x of your computers to be the "antivirus server"..this has a control panel where you setup your configuration, and can deploy and manage clients to other computers in your network. It also is the machine that checks for and downloads your definition updates...so your internet connection only gets one hit to download those, then instantly deploys the updates to the clients.

[reader]

Thanks for the information, StoneCat...

The reviews posted on their site are pretty impressive, I must say. Frankly, I had NEVER HEARD of NOD32!

NOD32 comes in just a tad cheaper in a 5 computer setting...McAfee would save a bit of money if you only had 3...but it's almost a dead heat.

McAfee has a 30-day trial, which is nice...ESET wants you to buy it upfront but does offer a money-back guarantee.

[YeOldeStonecat]

They have a 30-day trial if you wish to try.
http://nod32.com/download/trial.htm

Eset just started marketing NOD32 in the US about a year ago, being a European AV program. I love it since trying it, we even became a reseller. Excellent management console, very lightweight as far as system performance hits go, fastest scan times I've ever seen, and top notch detection rates (check out VirusBulletin.com and see who's on top). Also has the most frequent definition updating program I've ever seen..sometimes you'll get a couple of updates a day. By default the client checks every hour for updates.

McAfee....you couldn't pay me to use their products. :nope:

You'll see some other "relatively unheard of" antivirus products getting popular these days, Kapersky...which has been around for quite some time actually, is gaining in popularity. Grisoft AVG, and eXtendia AVK (dual engined....very good detection rate, however brutal system performance hit. Microsoft recently invested heavily into the company..interesting to see what comes of it soon)

[CableDude]

Yeah NOD32 is the way to go. I've even submitted an infected file to them and they included it in their updates.