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About Buying an Antivirus Solution

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As a career IT person, I've learned two interesting things about people who need antivirus software. You may find this short read interesting and useful even if you're not inclined to buy Norton.

First, many people are confused and anxious about desktop security. Viruses, worms, trojans, rootkits, phishing, identity theft, and hackers -- there seems to be something new all the time. And it's all very mysterious. As non-technical friend asked me out of frustration, "Do I need a computer science degree to choose the right antivirus program?" People aren't sure what they need and they wonder what the "best" or "strongest" or "right" antivirus product is.

The second thing I've learned is that people often find antivirus vendors' web sites confusing. Too many choices and wat too much marketing hype. I had that experience a year ago. After several years in management (where I didn't have to think about buying and managing my own desktop antivirus!), I thought I'd quickly update my home desktop between breakfast and my son's soccer game. What was I thinking? When I entered Symantec Norton's site, there were too many options -- each with similar but different features. I had to do my homework. Sort it out. And, if I'm a little confused after having been an IT professional for more than 20 years, I can only imagine how confused non-technical folks might feel.

So, I started this site to help people make a good choice quickly. I hope to put some of your fears to rest. And, you shouldn't have to go back to school to learn how buy an antivirus. .Now I've used Norton for years. I used others, too. But I keep coming back to Norton.

And, while I favor Symantec's Norton, I know that there are many other fine products. I've used several of them. See the other vendors and options section for a list.

If there is one piece of shopping advice that you take my site, it is this: all of the leading antivirus solutions provide great protection. The differences are primarily in the user interface (ease of use) and, should you need it, support. Techies will argue the details of one solution or another. Techies often have a love (or prejudice) for one product or another that borders on the fanatical. Bottom line - all the leading vendors will give you the protection you need. And, here's my plug for Norton. Symantec has been the premier antivirus since the early 1990's. This new version has a great user interface (means it easy to use even if you're not technical). It's very easy to use.

You probably know this, but just in case you missed it, I'll repeat it here. Every computer that goes online or shares cd's and dvd's (and floppy disks -- remember those?) must have a top of line antivirus program installed. And, the antivirus software must be kept up to date. All of the top vendors have, as part of the purchase price, an automatic subscription service that keeps systems updated regularly. When you boot or go online, your desktop contacts the vendor site and requests updates.

If you decide to buy Norton or if you want to visit the Symantec Norton Official web site, simply click on any of the graphics on the right. There's no added cost, of course.

Thank you again. And if there is anything you think I could do to improve this site, please drop me an email.

Tad Macy

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