Don't know which Antivirus program to get

Hi,
My antivirus subscription I have with Norton runs out in about 8 days!
They are charging around $50 for the 2006 version of their av software.

I had a serious hacktool rootkit virus infection last year (and I'm very grateful that Tomcoyote helped me get through that! ) and found out that the service from Norton was not friendly or adequate.

So, I'm trying to decide very soon as to what antivirus software to get.
A computer professional told me they highly recommend Panda but that it has certain system requirements & you need a robust system.

I have my internet service w/AOL and as part of their high fee you get Mcaffee av (havent tried that yet).

I wanted to ask which of these 2 programs (Panda and McAffee ) is more effective and easy to use?

Also, I have Windows XP Professional version 2002 with service pack 2.

But the problem is I found out last year that I dont have a legitimate copy of windows and no valid licensed product key so the Microsoft Update site won't let me download updates from their site.

I have read on this site that its vital to get windows and IE upgraded w/all the security patches.

Do you know if there is any way I can get these updates since I cant get them from the site?
How much is my system at risk with not being able to get those updates directly from Microsoft?

Thank you for reading and I'd greatly appreciate any help
Safira

Hmm well your lucky that I am still awake hehe Its 1:30 in the midnight now but I will share my knowledge to help you out


1.) Panda Platinum 2006
Best anti-virus: I recommend "Panda Platinum Internet Security 2006"
Visit : http://www.pandasoftware.com/download/Software/ for more details
I rate this software a 99.99% of the best anti-virus in the world
Why? Because its easy to use. Its updating automatically and always ready for the virus attacks.
I used this software 1 year from now and I have no problem even if viruses entering on my computer because "Panda" will automatically Remove it from my systsem.

Panda can blocked any internet attacks like Trojans and other hacking tools trying to enter your computer. I actually been attacked last month with a "DNS" Network virus but "Panda" just blocked it
It can also detect "Spywares" and remove it immediatelly by scanning the whole system of your computer.

Just download the software at the site listed above and install it.
It will auto-scan your system while installing for a clean installation.
When finished, Launch "Panda—> Services—> Register"
You need to register to be able to get the latest signatures of viruses and to update automatically.

After youve sucessfully updated your Panda, Do the "Scan the whole system" for any existing viruses in your computer.


2.) Windows Update
Hmm maybe your windows are pirated
But theres a solution to that..If your windows cant get updates from microsoft.com, you have 1 option left.

Visit : http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/search….?displaylang=en
Your 1 option is to download it manually by visiting that site listed above and install it to your machine.
Theres no validation required so cheer up and enjoy

Well I hope this could help

Thanks, Eumic for trying to help ; )

I had thought it would be easier to just use Mcaffee since its part of my subscription to aol but I'll look up Panda and try.

Is it safe for me to go ahead and download and install the Panda software while I still have my Norton AV?
ive heard that 2 av's will conflict w/each other so not sure about the correct timing.
My norton expires on May 23, 2006 so I didnt know the best/safest time for me to download and run the new av software would be.

Also, do I have to uninstall norton after my subscription expires? Hadnt done this ever before.

I have the firewall w/my microsoft xp sp2. I was told by someone that its not good enough to protect and to try zonealarm and then someone else said zone alarm is a pain and that i might be safe w/the microsoft firewall.

Thanks for the link to that downloads update site ; )
the person who helped me get this used computer didnt tell me i did not have a genuine copy of windows so i cannot get those updates auto from the site. so ill try w/the link you sent.

Ive never downloaded the updates manually so how do I know which ones to install?
over and out,
Safira

You need to choose only one anti-virus for your computer……And windows friewall is not enough to protect your computer..Thats True… So I ask you to have Panda since it have a Firewall protection and its always updating everyday. Yes your right, 2 anti-virus conflict with each other so you need to remove one of those. Well I strongly recommend you to use Panda not Norton cause its not too good in protecting Internet Attacks…… But its your decision..I am not forcing you but I am just telling the truth…. Just givi it a try.. My Anti-Virus before was Pcclin and Norton… Then I discover Panda. There are many things that Panda can do than Pcclin/Norton cant do. About windows update: Hmm its very complicated….Cause there are many Windows Update Installed on my computer now. Hmm ok i'll write it for you …. >Win XP Software Updates -Security Updates for Windows XP (KB890046) -Window Xp Hotfix- KB890175 -Window Xp Hotfix - KB890859 -Window Xp Hotfix - KB891781 -Window Xp Hotfix - KB888302 -Window Xp Hotfix - KB893086 -Window Xp Hotfix - KB873333 -Window Xp Hotfix - KB873339 -Security Updates for Windows XP (KB896358) -Security Updates for Windows XP (KB896422) -Window Xp Hotfix - KB888113 -Window Xp Hotfix - KB885836 -Security Updates for Windows XP (KB896428) -Window Xp Hotfix - KB885835 -Security Updates for Windows XP (KB893066) -Window Xp Hotfix - KB885884 -Window Xp Hotfix - KB886185 -Window Xp Hotfix - KB887472 -Window Xp Hotfix - KB887742 -Security Updates for Windows XP (KB883939) -Window Xp Hotfix - KB885250 -Update for Windows XP (KB898461) -Security Updates for Windows XP (KB903235) -Security Updates for Windows XP (KB901214) -Window Xp Hotfix - KB888240 -Security Updates for Windows XP (KB896423) -Security Updates for Windows XP (KB893756) -Security Updates for Windows XP (KB899588) -Security Updates for Windows XP (KB899587) -Update for Windows XP (KB896727) -Security Updates for Windows XP (KB899591) -Update for Windows XP (KB894391) -Security Updates for Windows XP (KB896688) -Security Updates for Windows XP (KB905749) -Security Updates for Windows XP (KB905414) -Security Updates for Windows XP (KB904706) -Security Updates for Windows XP (KB899589) -Security Updates for Windows XP (KB902400) -Security Updates for Windows XP (KB901017) -Security Updates for Windows XP (KB900725) -Security Updates for Windows XP (KB896424) -Security Updates for Windows XP (KB905915) -Update for Windows XP (KB910437) -Security Updates for Windows XP (KB912919) -Security Updates for Windows XP (KB908519) -Security Updates for Windows XP (KB911927) -Security Update for Windows Media Player (KB911564) -Security Update for Windows Media Player (KB911565) -Security Updates for Windows XP (KB913446) -Security Updates for Windows XP (KB901190) -Security Updates for Windows XP (KB911562) -Security Updates for Windows XP (KB911567) -Security Updates for Windows XP (KB908531) -Security Updates for Windows XP (KB912812) -Update for Windows XP (KB900485) -Security Updates for Windows XP (KB193580) Phew thats all from 6/25/2005 to 5/10/2006 Oh well find it all to the links I gave to you in microsoft.com Cheers

Thanks for typing out all those updates Yes, it is complicated since i cant get them automatically If anyone else is reading this, I was not able to send the infected file I had last year to Norton's symantec Security System. Norton was no help with it. And I spent $20 on a product called "Unhackme" that did not fix the hacktool rootkit virus I had and offered no money back So Im glad the TomCoyote site exists as they helped me last year w/the virus ; ) Take care, Safira

I bought the unhackme as a member of this site recommended that I try it. I found out from them there was a free trial period on it after I had purchased it and I was in such a stressed out state w/the viral infection and running out of time that I just had to do things quickly then. I mentioned it in this forum here mostly to warn others. I'm just glad w/the help of tomcoyote and myself I was able to save my programs! I'll email you about the other site. Yes, for some reason I wasnt able to send the infected/quarantined file to Norton and when I called them they refused to do anything w/o my buying something from them (even after I paid around $50 for 2 years subscription I only have Norton as I havent downloaded the Panda yet but I will today as I have no choice…the norton runs out probably tonight! The reason I waited is I'Ve never done this before……….when and how do I uninstall the Norton ? Do I have to uninstall the whole thing? I wish I could keep some of their other features like the handy one button checkup and their diskdoctor and other features. One more question: I have a microsoft firewall so does that mean as you said panda has a firewall built in, does that mean i have to uninstall my microsoft service pack 2 firewall ? is it unsafe to have 2 firewalls? if so, how do I uninstall a firewall? I looked at the panda link you sent and wow they have a lot of products…i guess ill go w/the version (platinum) you reccomended. are you going to buy their product later? AFter I had my serious hacktool rootkit virus last year I took the computer to a computer service to make sure I had cleaned it out enough and they liked Panda but they charged $40 to install it and sell it. I know people have to make $, I just had given enough I felt so Im going to try to install the Panda myself. Hope it goes smoothly as they told me I had zonealarm installed wrong (they deleted it later). I havent updated the updates you listed yet as Ive had limited time but I plan on updating more. I did download one update after you gave that handy link (fingers crossed) will let you know what happens

First of all, I am sorry for the cracks I said earlier..The admin gave a message to me that Cracks/Keygens are not allowed here..So I apologize I dont want to be ban cause I like to help other people.

Well change topic now.
Windows FireWall
- No..Dont remove it..Just make your windows firewall "Turn Off" .. thats makes the windows firewall stop.
- Then the Panda Firewall is "On" so that they will not conflict to each other.
- Yes I have Platinum here on my computer..and it was great. When you registered, it gives you only 90 days of free limitation.. Then after that it will expired. So you need to uninstall it again and register again. Well its legal.

Norton
-Hmm I dont know how to remove that Norton but try to check the other forums. I am sure there was a step on how to perfectly delete all the remaining files of Norton.

Succes
-Hmm cheers your almost on the success rate. When you installed all the win updates and have a permanent protection against viruses, its a success. Hey I almost forgot. Dont you mind installing Hi-Jack This
software….Better than "unhackme" but this program can delete files and create a back up files for restoration.

This software scans your system and displays all the log files….But better think twice before deleting files.
Just delete the files that you think its not good for your system ex.Spyware etc.

Visit : http://www.tomcoyote.org/hjt/#Top
Well its tomcoyote site but thats the exact link…..Read for more details

Well thats it congratz
Eumic

AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH I've been in computer Hell again :wtf: (theres no crying emoticon, otherwise id have it here
All the stress from this is why I hate computers sometimes. To avoid the hell of the past 24 hours I should have just renewed/paid for my norton subscription. I had a feeling it wouldnt be as simple as installing Panda and thats why the q's about how/when to uninstall nav.

At recommendation, I downloaded the Panda Platinum. It took about 10 hours to download that! (I have dialup). but thats not the big problem . What was, was that the installation wizard w/Panda absoutley would NOT let me install panda as they found Norton to be a conflicting program.

So I tried over and over and over to remove Norton av w/no luck : ( I could not remove it by the add/remove feature or going through the start menu. after all that my system was slowed down.

I called Norton and (no surprises here). they refused to help me unless I paid up to $29.95 for it! (I find that ethically not acceptable as since I'd allready paid for their software I should not have to pay to uninstall it!. They said the only other option was to go to the website for tech support.

I did and it said since I have a discontinued verison of Norton that they offer no phone or online support! I called a tech shop person here and they said Norton has a rep for being hard to uninstall and maybe thast so people have to renew their subscription.

I persevered and went on their Symantec site and tried to manually uninstall it myself. I read long instructions and downloaded their uninstaller and that did not work : ( I was anxious about getting online as I've had No antivirus since I downloaded Panda, my Nortan av was turned off. it expired yesterday too.

I thought about getting mcaffee or avg but I knew that there would be a problem untill all of nav was uninstalled.
So after all the panic/stress I took it to a local shop here and I had them uninstall nav and install Panda Titanium. this cost me arouond $42! I have a huge tower so it was hard to carry it.
They said the panda I had downloaded is only a limited trial version (I didnt know that otherwise I wouldnt have tried that).
This panda I now have only is good for one year but I think its worth it some as its highly recommended and using im programs is risky. I spent the $40 as I dindt want to go through this hell again if after the trail period, there was an uninstall problem.
It jsut hurts that w/my virus last year I lost around $ 110 and my printer ! :wtf: :wtf:
But at least I didnt lose all my valuable programs.

They said I have a security risk w/not being able to get auto updates form Microsoft so looks like I'll have to keep up w/it manually. Windows is cracking down on things. How do you keep your list of updates? How often do people need to manually load updates? How do I tell which ones are high priority updates?

Thats good if I dont have to uninstall Windows firewall after dealing w/the Norton uninstall depression and frustration. It may have been harder to uninstall norton as i had an older version but still, they should have better instructions on their site how to remove it as their instructison cause one to go in circles!!

Thanks for the link. I installed Hijackthis end of last year when I had my virus after finding this site ; ) I dont delte anythign w/it, i am going to have TomCoyote check my log later on this year.

Its almost 4am and im burned out. Have to go, I'll keep you posted.
Safira )o(

Hmm thats why I dont like Norton cause its hard to remove and its protection is not that strong.
Talking bout the updates, just install the latest updates so that your computer will not be vulnerable from hacking tools and other attacks.
Highest priority is the newest updates so better install it.
About panda, its ok to purchase but what I am doing is register until my panda expires and register again.
Cause I dont have a prepaid card to purchase a full version so I need to register again and again.
90 days free trial its not bad. Then when its expired register again with different user then you have 90 days again

Hmm this is my last and super solution to your problem…We need to scan your pc using Panda Anti virus Active Scan.. Its an online scanning procedure. Just to clean up your system.

Visit: http://www.pandasoftware.com/Home/Particul…da=particulares
Used Internet Explorer 5.0 and above
Click the advertisement there namely Panda Active Scan
You cant update norton, cant install panda so this is your last hope

Active Scan is an online scanning procedure updated everyday.
After scanning see the results then let me know if thats effective.

After this the only thing you need to know is to how to remove this Norton. Then everythings fine now.
Well you can do that, dont give up..If I were on your place right now, I wll do the task for you

Wish you all the best
Eumic

Hi, I wrote that scathing info about NOrton in case others were reading too and wanted info. How do you keep track of all the updates youre allready downloaded? "You cant update norton, cant install panda so this is your last hope" *** I'll repeat my previous post some here: AFter the nightmare of not being able to uninstall Norton and mkaing several calls I took the computer to a store and paid $42 to have then uninstall norton and put Panda Titanium 2006 on. So you'll be happy to know I now do have Panda for one year. I dont know what they did to uninstall the parts of norton left. Apparently, the rnave utility tool I downloaded off of Norton's site did not remove it 100%. I'm not hpapy w/losing over $110 to the virus and now this norton trouble but w/my using instant messaging programs a lot, hopefully, the Panda av will protect me better (it probalby will). Actually, after reading all the tedious long instructiosn on norton's site about removing their av software, I think I removed quite a bit of it but some apprently did not register as beign removed or was not 100% removed so I had to pay the person at the store to remove what remained. One tech person said it took him 3 hours to remove norton av. I did a complete scan w/my paid for Panda Titanium 2006 and it seems to be ok except if found some spyware. When you register after your 90 days is up, do you have to uninstall the previous panda software? I worry about the hard drive crashing since this is a used and old machine. (its crashed before) and it makes weird noises. but thats for another forum. Thanks for answering my posts…its after 4am so have to go

Iam happy to know that your norton will soon be removed completely. Yes you need to reinstall the panda again to register for a new one. Thats my strategy Its very cheap than buying a full version of panda and I have no prepaid card Yeah Panda have an email protection..Thats not all, just observe more what panda can do. About the updates, If you cant still download the updates, you need to purchase a windows XP Genuine Updates with license. Or better ask somebody else cause I am not very good on that . Here in Philippines thats Php9,000 very expensive Well got to go I have college exam tom.. Got to wake up early Back to school —Classes starts in June 13 and thats my 1st time to study more bout IT Pros. Take care Eumic

Is IT internet techonology? I really dont like computers…the frustration and radiation from the screen hurts my eyes. But I do appreciate the knowledge that comes w/being able to surf the net. There are updates I still can't get like the windows defender so do you know where I go/what I do to purchase a windows XP Genuine Updates with license? I dont have much $ so not sure if I will but I may have to Thanks for your help and good luck Safira

Hi Safira Do not bother with Wndows defender, even the microsoft techies don't like or trust it, or the "ONE CARE" that comes after "Defender". Your Panda is already doing more than either.both of those can do. Good Luck JoeJ

Thanks , that's good to know. Since I have to manually install what updates I can I wasnt sure which ones were necesarry. –Safira

If you go to this URL,
http://support.microsoft.com/winxp
there is a search box at the upper right, If you type in the KBxxxxxx number for the update, it will tell you what it is and whether it is a critical update or not.
Be Well