Norton Security

[salem]

HP has terminated their agreement with Norton to provide free protection for HP users. Would you suggest renewing the subscription or use one of the free downloads. If the free ones, which ones? Thanks FWIW, I've been trouble free with Norton.

[agesilaus]

I just switched to the free MS software, MSE Microsoft Security Essentials. I haven't had any problems. I also practice elementary security: don't click on unknown links, don't open mystery email and so on.

I actually gave up on Norton 10 or 15 years ago. It became bloatware and notoriously slowed your computer. The prices kept going up on other products, some of them seem to be linked to foreign hostile governments, and I finally listened to people saying: Use MSE

[obgraham]

Go Mac and don't look back.

[mtofell1]

I don't understand how third party "security" software is still releveant. For the last 10+ years myself and everyone I know has been using the free/included offerings from MS/Windows (Defender or whatever they are calling it currently). It updates regularly with Windows updates and I haven't had a virus or other problems in longer than I can remember.

[rk911]

the problem with any and all security products is...you don't know what you don't know. if your security suite doesn't know what to look for it won't detect it. so saying you've been trouble free using product x is inaccurate.

your best ways to stay safe are...

- practice safe internet usage. don't click on links from unknown or unexpected links.
- stay off of "those" websites
- make passwords unique and change them often
- if you use security software..and i do..use a layered defense. that means regular or automatic scanning with more than one product.
- update your products frequently. i have mine set to update automatically.