Expert: Doug Woodall - 2/17/2008

Question
I am looking for some direction, firstly I have to admit that I am new, therefore stumbling around this computer thing. I have a toshiba satellite computer running windows xp.  Previously ran norton 360...as it slowed computer down to a crawl, the tech. guy kicked it off. I have now replaced it with AVG internet security, since then have been getting trojans, cookies and the like. Have been told that the windows firewall is not great and should look into replacing it with either zone alarm or comodo. Two questions, are either if them compatable with the avg? and which one would be better, am not sure as I have been reading forums and people have been complaining that the installations of these have been causing problems with their computers crasing them and the like. I know that I am really beginning to tire of all of the crud and corruption that seems to be getting through onto this computer since my switchover. All advise will be greatly appreciated, thanks.

Answer
Hi Connie,
Hopefully the tech completely removed the Norton program. It can cause problems with programs conflicting with each other.
Heres the link for the complete removal tool.
http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2005033108162039

I recommend this site lately for users who are looking for Firewall reviews.
http://personal-firewall-software-review.toptenreviews.com/

Zone Alarm has been getting better reviews, and I havent seen a firewall program that has problems with AVG.

Connie, almost all the problems with installing and maintaining security products stem from whether or not there was a program previously installed.
Thats why its so important to completely uninstall Norton. It leaves registry entries that should be part of the uninstall.

Hang in there, keep in touch. You have to have protection if you are going to be online nowadays.