Computer Question

[76Highboy]

The reason that my old computer went down is because I got a virus. The computer was not worth fixing so I got a new one today which I am on now.

I like to chat on a Christian chat room and am trying to chat but I need Java. When I start to down load Java it warns me that it could harm my computer even though I am running my Norton anti virus. Am I safe to do download Java? Also, is there a possability that I picked the virus up from a chat room?

Thanks,
Jim

[hjsmith00843]

Java is fine. Yes Chat rooms are bad for virus's. But you can get them from anything. if you dont keep your anti virus software up to date or keep your computer updated.

[dons2346]

Java won't hurt the puter. There are a lot of web pages that need Java so go ahead and load it. Next thing to do is dump the Norton krap. It will eventually cause more problems than it will cure. Download a anti virus program called Avast from here http://www.avast.com/en-us/index and you will be set.

[76Highboy]

Originally Posted by dons2346

Java won't hurt the puter. There are a lot of web pages that need Java so go ahead and load it. Next thing to do is dump the Norton krap. It will eventually cause more problems than it will cure. Download a anti virus program called Avast from here http://www.avast.com/en-us/index and you will be set.

Hey, thanks Don. I am on it.

Jim

[Rocketman1]

Java will not hurt your computer, however Java has been know to be full of exploits that hackers use to load viruses on your computer, more than most programs.

I just had a virus on my computer, and it was caused by running an older version of Java. I learned a lesson in that you must keep your operating system updated as well as programs like Java and Adobe ect.

[76Highboy]

Thanks Rocketman. Keep it coming.

[Rocketman1]

Originally Posted by dons2346

Java won't hurt the puter. There are a lot of web pages that need Java so go ahead and load it. Next thing to do is dump the Norton krap. It will eventually cause more problems than it will cure. Download a anti virus program called Avast from here http://www.avast.com/en-us/index and you will be set.

I would dump Norton as well. I used that years ago, and they messed my system up when I got an automatic update from them that was not compatable with my system,

[76Highboy]

Originally Posted by Rocketman1

I would dump Norton as well. I used that years ago, and they messed my system up when I got an automatic update from them that was not compatable with my system,

Ok. however I have a one year subscription on all 3 of the computers here (my sons, my wife's, and mine) for McAfee. I did not have it running on the computer that was infected but should I oust the Norton and go ahead and put the McAfee on and use it since I paid for it. Or should I just go ahead and use Avast? The McAfee is doing an excellent job on the other two computers. What do you think?

[gvw3]

The Corp. I work for gives all IT staff McAfee free so I use it. I have had 2 viruses on this pc this year. I haven't see them in the field like I used to. Keep Microsoft auto updates on. Update the virus scan software and java.

[1LoneWolf75]

We had McAfee and never had a problem once we got rid of our XP system. It was free from out internet provider. Our XP was up on all its updates but still messed up and they stopped updatin em in 09 or 10. Dons recommendation of Avast is spot on great protection. Most viruses are made to bypass Norton and startin to get that way with McAfee just because they are so popular.

[norahc]

Originally Posted by Rocketman1

I would dump Norton as well. I used that years ago, and they messed my system up when I got an automatic update from them that was not compatable with my system,

I'd just dump Windows completely.

But I agree that getting rid of Norton, McAfee, and the other "internet security suites" is a good idea, simply because I've seen them break a customer's connection to the internet for some obscure reason. We recommend our customers run AVG (free version) and Windows firewall.

[time2shoot]

first off get ride of norton, it is no better then the viruses that it's saposed to keep out.
MY opinion.
I use bitdefender. about $40 bucks rated #1 and only whene i think i got somthing. other wise it's not runing. and super anti spywhere (free) all the time. it catches most everything.
Norton didn't even make the top ten.
Thats just me. and i haven't had a virus in about 3 years.

[ampaterry]

I gotta respectfully disagree.
I have used Norton for years, and I surf hours a day.
Never had a virus.

I have automatic updates turned on, so it is always up-to-date.

I got Norton Intenet Security when it was first released, and have never had a problem with it. When I got a notebook computer, it cost me nothing extra as Norton lets you protect more than one computer when you buy a package.
I consider the NO HASSLE to be worth the cost -

[time2shoot]

never said it did'nt work just said my opinion was it wasent any better then the vireses it was to catch. and consumer reports ranks it at #11 it will slow your computer down just like spywher will.

[ampaterry]

Time2shoot, that could well be!
Out in the toolies where I live, though, my only "broadband" is satellite, and that is slow enough that I do not notice Norton causing a delay.
If I had a truly FAST connection, I might be blasting Norton with the rest of you guys - -

[ampaterry]

Just did some digging -
Consensus of reviews is that Norton USED to be very slow and cumbersome.
Over the last three years, the reviews have noted they have solved their speed issues, and they get much higher marks now -

[gvw3]

I have used the free ver. of AVG on friends pc's and it seems to work pretty good. Anyone looking to save a few bucks should look at it....

[Rocketman1]

Originally Posted by 76Highboy

Ok. however I have a one year subscription on all 3 of the computers here (my sons, my wife's, and mine) for McAfee. I did not have it running on the computer that was infected but should I oust the Norton and go ahead and put the McAfee on and use it since I paid for it. Or should I just go ahead and use Avast? The McAfee is doing an excellent job on the other two computers. What do you think?

If I was you I would stick with McAfee since you paid for it. Anti virus programs are just like guns. You will get lots of different opinions on what is best ect..

[ampaterry]

Originally Posted by Rocketman1

If I was you I would stick with McAfee since you paid for it. Anti virus programs are just like guns. You will get lots of different opinions on what is best ect..

True words!

Guns, cars, a TON of things, will have folks that love them and folks that hate them, depending on their personal experience.

We bought a brand new Ford 1972 F100 P/U.
It was an UNBELIEVABLE lemon.
Dozens of trips to the dealer, contact with FMC, etc., all brought NO satisfaction.
As a result, I hate ford and will never own another.
ANYONE can make a lemon, but I will not give a second chance to a company that will not stand behind it's product, nor honor its warrantee.

I have had great luck with with Norton Internet Security, and will stick with it.
Others have had problems with it, and would not take it if it was freeware.

Such is life -

[time2shoot]

Originally Posted by ampaterry

True words!

Guns, cars, a TON of things, will have folks that love them and folks that hate them, depending on their personal experience.

We bought a brand new Ford 1972 F100 P/U.
It was an UNBELIEVABLE lemon.
Dozens of trips to the dealer, contact with FMC, etc., all brought NO satisfaction.
As a result, I hate ford and will never own another.
ANYONE can make a lemon, but I will not give a second chance to a company that will not stand behind it's product, nor honor its warrantee.

I have had great luck with with Norton Internet Security, and will stick with it.
Others have had problems with it, and would not take it if it was freeware.

Such is life -

Yep reading the same book. just on a difrent page.

[76Highboy]

Originally Posted by Rocketman1

If I was you I would stick with McAfee since you paid for it. Anti virus programs are just like guns. You will get lots of different opinions on what is best ect..

Ya, Rocketman, that is good advice. Since I have a free 60 day trial with the Norton I will run it and see how it works. Then once it is expired I will turn the McAfee back on and finish my year with that.

So far this new PC does not seem to run slow by any means. The automatic updates are on so this will give me first hand experience using it. So far the MaAfee is working great on my wife's PC as well. Time will tell.

Thanks everyone.

[rosierita]

we have norton 360 for our computers & we like it.

[76Highboy]

Originally Posted by rosierita

we have norton 360 for our computers & we like it.

Thanks.

[68c15]

did you ever think it may have something to do with your painted toe nails? you are being punished

I have AVG and strictly run firefox. I'm not sure I even know what a virus is any more. my son though is a different story. all his online gaming and social networking is making his PC look like a 50 year old prostitute

[mjp28]

Originally Posted by ampaterry

Just did some digging -
Consensus of reviews is that Norton USED to be very slow and cumbersome.
Over the last three years, the reviews have noted they have solved their speed issues, and they get much higher marks now -

That is TRUE, the new Norton 360 is much improved and very highly rated.

Hey Jim, how've you been besides the new computer...like a new car it's really great and fast when brand new outta' the box.

We've had a LOT going on including losing my second old refrigerator this year! Well one was 40 and the other 22 years old. Getting the new one all plumbed up Tuesday.

Also my wife's niece just found out she has MS, not good.

I'll be on more this week.