Is Norton AV Putting My Computer at Risk?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around concerns regarding the Norton Antivirus (NAV) program, particularly its scanning process and user interface. Participants express confusion about the options provided after a scan, as well as the effectiveness of the software in managing threats. The conversation touches on user experiences, alternative antivirus solutions, and troubleshooting methods.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses frustration with NAV's post-scan options, feeling that neither "Skip" nor "Exclude" adequately addresses their security concerns.
  • Another participant suggests that Norton is bloated and recommends switching to Nod32 as an alternative antivirus solution.
  • A suggestion is made to boot the computer in safe mode before running the scan, which some participants agree could help with the issue of deleting threats.
  • One participant questions why NAV does not recommend running in safe mode and highlights the confusing nature of the interface regarding the options presented after a scan.
  • A participant advises checking if virus definitions are up to date and suggests a methodical approach to researching files flagged by NAV if the definitions are outdated.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the effectiveness of NAV or the best course of action. There are multiple competing views regarding the software's usability and alternatives, indicating an unresolved discussion.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying levels of familiarity with antivirus software and its functionalities, which may influence their perspectives. The discussion includes assumptions about user knowledge and the effectiveness of different antivirus solutions.

Who May Find This Useful

Users experiencing difficulties with Norton Antivirus, those considering alternative antivirus solutions, and individuals seeking troubleshooting advice for antivirus software.

DaveC426913
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I do not understand this program.

When it finishes its scan, it's going to list a bunch of threats, some it will have purged, most it will have failed. And it will give me two choices:
Skip - do not bother doing anything about these files
Exclude - do not bother checking these files again

I don't want to EITHER of those! Any option I choose leaves my computer wide open!

So, I do what I do every time. I stare at the buttons for several minutes, paralyzed, then I [X] kill the program, having chosen neither option.


What are they THINKING!??
 
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Norton is bloated. Try Nod32
 
Try booting in safe mode and then scan.
 
DrMark said:
Try booting in safe mode and then scan.
Good point.That would makje sense and does address my "why it can't delete threats" problem (in fact, it makes one wonder why NAV doesn't suggest running in safe mode), but it doesn't address the extremely confusing interface. Do I want to Skip? or Exclude?
 
Are your virus defs up to date (Sept. 8, 2005) ? If not update and rerun NAV. If you don't have a subscription (for the virus defs) and the defs are old I'd take the following paranoid approach: Write down every file name that Norton gives you the option on (skip or exclude). Then go to Symantec and search ( http://www.symantec.com/search/ ) for the various files to see if a virus has been associated with any of them. If so use the by hand solution given by Symantec if not exclude.
 
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