The current state of commercial antivirus.

~~Leroy77~~ · 10-27-2005, 04:24 PM

So there I was at Wally World (Walmart) standing in the electronics checkout line with my two DVDs. The woman in front of me plops down a yellow box with the words "Norton Internet Security" on it. I remind myself that she didn't ask for my opinion and so I fail to inform her that the box it comes with is probably worth more than the CD inside it. I'm quite sure she has no idea she threw her money away. My question is: How are norton and McAffe still in the software business? I'm sure the following sounds familiar to many: You buy it thinking it's the best around. Now your computer seems slower and you don't know why. Sooner or later you find it's protection has been vastly overrated. And as one final kick in the nuts for giving them your money, it fails to uninstall completely. Leaving file backup and re-installation of Windows as the sole method of ridding yourself of the curse forever. Has anyone who bought it retail ever given them their money twice? Not me, they got me once back in the day. We have programs like AVG that are far superior and don't cost a dime. Where is their money coming from?

**40sondacurb** · 10-27-2005, 04:28 PM

Do they sell Panada, AVG, or Zone Alarm at Walmart?

oldmn · 10-27-2005, 04:34 PM

How about Norton Corprate? Wont find that at wally's of corce you would not find me at wally's eather. Everything I have ever bought there Went back.

**Resolution** · 10-27-2005, 04:35 PM

I'm not sure why this confuses you. She probably doesn't spend all her time online like most of us, and is unaware that there are better products out there. Norton has marketing power, which AVG does not. I never seen any AVG commercials on TV, have you? I didn't think so. It all has to do with marketing hype, and human ignorance; ignorance in the sense that you don't know anything about a product when you purchase it. You just know that it is suppose to do what you want it to do.

ebackhus · 10-27-2005, 04:51 PM

In an effort to better to world of computing I take every opportunity to school people on what's good and what's not. If I see someone holding a box of norton's poo I tell them there are free and better programs. if they want a new PC and happen to be studying an HP I tell them how many I've repaired. I get a new customer from that! It also kicks at the evil Wally World empire.

~~Leroy77~~ · 10-27-2005, 05:05 PM

No 40, no AVG or Zonealarm at MY local Wally's, although I may have seen Panda there. I don't remember ever seeing a Norton commercial on TV in my neck of the woods, but that's not to say they don't run them. Perhaps they pour their money into advertising instead of getting their products right? I guess it's not a priority for most people. Joe six-pack will spend 2 weeks researching their next car, but then when they need a computer they'll buy a HP or a Compaq. All you have to do is read the customer reviews on any retail website and see that for every positive Norton review there are 10 negative ones. I imagine virus and spyware cleaning keeps many computer techs in business so I guess I shouldn't complain. Viruses are good for the economy. lol

ebackhus · 10-27-2005, 05:14 PM

*cries* I remember having to push Norton on people while working at B**t B*y and I hated it because I knew it was garbage. The same went to selling the computers there. All of it was crap but I -HAD- to sell it! But marketing for crap products to benefit the economy, or at least the tech sector. :)

~~Leroy77~~ · 10-27-2005, 05:39 PM

Quite painful I'm sure. Any more skeleltons you could unearth about your former employ? I like hearing that kind of stuff.

**Spatcher** · 10-27-2005, 07:03 PM

I agree with Resolution. I had a hard time convincing my hard-core gamer friend (he plays CS:S online) to sitch to Firefox, and it was like April when I told him. In September he finally made the switch (but by then I had switched to Opera...). I also have tried to get him to drop Norton but no can do....

But seriously, my aunt uses Norton. You know why? She have dial-up, and doesn't spend every waking hour online like we do. So her first instinct is (well she lives in the country) go to Wal-Mart. Then Best Buy. My dad and I were gonna switch my aunt to either avast! or AVG, but she gets 26.4kbps so she couldn't d/l either proggie.

And certain people just don't wanna change..... They think if it's at Wal-Mart that it should be of good quality.

**Fox** · 10-27-2005, 07:17 PM

Wal mart's method of operation is to sell the cheapest garbage at the highest price they can get away with and still sell lower than everyone else.

Of course norton and mcafee sell better than AVG- the average computer user hasn't even heard of it.

The average consumer is so dumb it's not even funny. People buy crap, and then they get pissed when it doesn't work the way it should. That's why researching before buying is so important.

ebackhus · 10-27-2005, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fox

Wal mart's method of operation is to sell the cheapest garbage at the highest price they can get away with and still sell lower than everyone else.

Of course norton and mcafee sell better than AVG- the average computer user hasn't even heard of it.

The average consumer is so dumb it's not even funny. People buy crap, and then they get pissed when it doesn't work the way it should. That's why researching before buying is so important.

Ups for truth.

**40sondacurb** · 10-27-2005, 08:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ebackhus

Ups for truth.

UPS sux too

~~Leroy77~~ · 10-27-2005, 09:31 PM

At least they can find my house. Unlike FedEx.

**JeremyC** · 10-28-2005, 08:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leroy77

At least they can find my house. Unlike FedEx.

Ive used both Fedx and ups and they both got my orders early.

anyways avg is free.....

**40sondacurb** · 10-28-2005, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JeremyC

Ive used both Fedx and ups and they both got my orders early.

anyways avg is free.....

well sometimes people are suspicious of free things, that's why it's good that there's a purchasable AVG for those type.

I know my brother was wary of using FireFox because he didn't trust it cause it was free.

**Resolution** · 10-28-2005, 10:59 AM

My dad doesn't trust Linux because it's not Windows.

Also, I agree with ebackhus. If you have an opportunity to give someone a second opinion, then you should do it. I'm sure they will be happy to save 70+ dollars. On the other hand, you have to remember that NIS is a suite of programs. It's not just an Antivirus.

~~Leroy77~~ · 10-28-2005, 11:30 AM

True. But every single feature of NIS has it's freeware counterpart that probably does as good a job if not better. Since enterprising coders decided that internet security should be available to all there is just no reason to pay for antivirus or firewalls anymore. Which is pretty awesome when you stop to think about it. I'm all for making life hell for the hax0rs.

10-27-2005, 04:24 PM	#1 (permalink)
~~Leroy77~~ Permanently Banned Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 236 OS: Windows XP Pro/2000 Pro	The current state of commercial antivirus. So there I was at Wally World (Walmart) standing in the electronics checkout line with my two DVDs. The woman in front of me plops down a yellow box with the words "Norton Internet Security" on it. I remind myself that she didn't ask for my opinion and so I fail to inform her that the box it comes with is probably worth more than the CD inside it. I'm quite sure she has no idea she threw her money away. My question is: How are norton and McAffe still in the software business? I'm sure the following sounds familiar to many: You buy it thinking it's the best around. Now your computer seems slower and you don't know why. Sooner or later you find it's protection has been vastly overrated. And as one final kick in the nuts for giving them your money, it fails to uninstall completely. Leaving file backup and re-installation of Windows as the sole method of ridding yourself of the curse forever. Has anyone who bought it retail ever given them their money twice? Not me, they got me once back in the day. We have programs like AVG that are far superior and don't cost a dime. Where is their money coming from?

10-27-2005, 04:28 PM	#2 (permalink)
40sondacurb #64 & #36 BACKBONE Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 5,804 OS: xp	Do they sell Panada, AVG, or Zone Alarm at Walmart? __________________ Donate to keep the forum running "I know the human being and fish can coexist peacefully" -George W. Bush

10-27-2005, 04:34 PM	#3 (permalink)
oldmn Hardware Tech Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Gig Harbor Wa Posts: 2,137 OS: XP Pro SP3 X 3 My System	How about Norton Corprate? Wont find that at wally's of corce you would not find me at wally's eather. Everything I have ever bought there Went back. __________________ AVG \| MEMTEST86 \| Zone Alarm \| XXCLONE \| Adaware \| Beyond Compare \| Everest If TSF has helped you, Tell us about it! or Donate to help keep the site up! Sorry no PM's for problems.

10-27-2005, 04:51 PM	#5 (permalink)
ebackhus Manager, Design Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: SATX Posts: 12,762 OS: WinXP Pro SP3 My System Blog Entries: 25	In an effort to better to world of computing I take every opportunity to school people on what's good and what's not. If I see someone holding a box of norton's poo I tell them there are free and better programs. if they want a new PC and happen to be studying an HP I tell them how many I've repaired. I get a new customer from that! It also kicks at the evil Wally World empire. __________________ ----------------------------- There are no dumb questions, unless a customer is asking them. Help in the fight against cancer and other serious illnesses.

10-27-2005, 05:14 PM	#7 (permalink)
ebackhus Manager, Design Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: SATX Posts: 12,762 OS: WinXP Pro SP3 My System Blog Entries: 25	cries I remember having to push Norton on people while working at B*t By and I hated it because I knew it was garbage. The same went to selling the computers there. All of it was crap but I -HAD- to sell it! But marketing for crap products to benefit the economy, or at least the tech sector. :) __________________ ----------------------------- There are no dumb questions, unless a customer is asking them. Help in the fight against cancer and other serious illnesses.

10-27-2005, 04:35 PM	#4 (permalink)
Resolution TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Louisiana Posts: 1,091 OS: FreeBSD/Win98/2000/XP	I'm not sure why this confuses you. She probably doesn't spend all her time online like most of us, and is unaware that there are better products out there. Norton has marketing power, which AVG does not. I never seen any AVG commercials on TV, have you? I didn't think so. It all has to do with marketing hype, and human ignorance; ignorance in the sense that you don't know anything about a product when you purchase it. You just know that it is suppose to do what you want it to do.

10-27-2005, 05:05 PM	#6 (permalink)
~~Leroy77~~ Permanently Banned Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 236 OS: Windows XP Pro/2000 Pro	No 40, no AVG or Zonealarm at MY local Wally's, although I may have seen Panda there. I don't remember ever seeing a Norton commercial on TV in my neck of the woods, but that's not to say they don't run them. Perhaps they pour their money into advertising instead of getting their products right? I guess it's not a priority for most people. Joe six-pack will spend 2 weeks researching their next car, but then when they need a computer they'll buy a HP or a Compaq. All you have to do is read the customer reviews on any retail website and see that for every positive Norton review there are 10 negative ones. I imagine virus and spyware cleaning keeps many computer techs in business so I guess I shouldn't complain. Viruses are good for the economy. lol

10-27-2005, 05:39 PM	#8 (permalink)
~~Leroy77~~ Permanently Banned Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 236 OS: Windows XP Pro/2000 Pro	Quite painful I'm sure. Any more skeleltons you could unearth about your former employ? I like hearing that kind of stuff.

10-27-2005, 07:03 PM	#9 (permalink)
Spatcher Henry Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,467 OS: XP Home SP2 My System	I agree with Resolution. I had a hard time convincing my hard-core gamer friend (he plays CS:S online) to sitch to Firefox, and it was like April when I told him. In September he finally made the switch (but by then I had switched to Opera...). I also have tried to get him to drop Norton but no can do.... But seriously, my aunt uses Norton. You know why? She have dial-up, and doesn't spend every waking hour online like we do. So her first instinct is (well she lives in the country) go to Wal-Mart. Then Best Buy. My dad and I were gonna switch my aunt to either avast! or AVG, but she gets 26.4kbps so she couldn't d/l either proggie. And certain people just don't wanna change..... They think if it's at Wal-Mart that it should be of good quality. __________________ JohnThePilot: Cenedl heb iaith, cenedl heb galon (a nation without a language is a nation without a heart) John Butler Trio: Go take a step outside, see what's shakin' in the real world - Good Excuse Paul Kelly: Just add a dollop of tomato sauce for sweetness and that extra tang - How to Make Gravy

10-27-2005, 07:17 PM	#10 (permalink)
Fox TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: NJ Posts: 7,752 OS: XP Pro, CentOS My System	Wal mart's method of operation is to sell the cheapest garbage at the highest price they can get away with and still sell lower than everyone else. Of course norton and mcafee sell better than AVG- the average computer user hasn't even heard of it. The average consumer is so dumb it's not even funny. People buy crap, and then they get pissed when it doesn't work the way it should. That's why researching before buying is so important. __________________ Antec Neo Power 500W, ABIT IP35-E, Intel E2180@2.66Ghz, Corsair XMS2 2x1GB DDR2-800, PNY 8800GT, 320GB Seagate * lazy college student alert *- If I've inadvertently ignored a thread, please Let me know about it Have I helped you solve your problem? Donate to Techsupportforums Klart Skepp!

10-27-2005, 09:31 PM	#13 (permalink)
~~Leroy77~~ Permanently Banned Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 236 OS: Windows XP Pro/2000 Pro	At least they can find my house. Unlike FedEx.

10-28-2005, 10:59 AM	#16 (permalink)
Resolution TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Louisiana Posts: 1,091 OS: FreeBSD/Win98/2000/XP	My dad doesn't trust Linux because it's not Windows. Also, I agree with ebackhus. If you have an opportunity to give someone a second opinion, then you should do it. I'm sure they will be happy to save 70+ dollars. On the other hand, you have to remember that NIS is a suite of programs. It's not just an Antivirus. Last edited by Resolution : 10-28-2005 at 11:07 AM.

10-28-2005, 11:30 AM	#17 (permalink)
~~Leroy77~~ Permanently Banned Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 236 OS: Windows XP Pro/2000 Pro	True. But every single feature of NIS has it's freeware counterpart that probably does as good a job if not better. Since enterprising coders decided that internet security should be available to all there is just no reason to pay for antivirus or firewalls anymore. Which is pretty awesome when you stop to think about it. I'm all for making life hell for the hax0rs.