Part 2: Antivirus Software
The second question I always ask after “Do you have Vista” is “Do you have Norton or McAfee for an antivirus?”, and for good reason. These two programs, while being great 5 years ago now only specialize in turning your once fast computer to a slow, frustrating shadow of its once self. And to top it off they do this while charging you $60-$80 or more a year for this service, or as I see it, dis-service. Is your antivirus software slowing you down?
Now while some people may say this is all my opinion, you’ll have a hard time finding a computer tech that doesn’t agree Norton and McAfee are lousy antivirus. Example #1, you cannot fully remove either of these programs though the control panel, you must also go online and download a “removal tool”. Wait a second, these programs make your computer very slow and you can’t remove them through the control panel? Isn’t that almost the exact definition of a virus? Oh the irony!
Time To Make A Decision.
Alright, so turns out you have one of these programs but just paid for a year subscription (or heaven forbid several years), now you have a choice, either put up with it until the subscription is up and then switch, or cut your losses now and ditch these terrible programs for a light weight antivirus that works well. I have had this conversation several times and when the customer says “well I already paid for it, I might as well use it” I counter point it with “what if you paid in advance for a root canal and the dentist later found out you didn’t need one, would you still go ahead with it?” They generally laugh but get the point.
How Do you Get Rid of Your Antivirus Software?
So you either waited for your subscription to end and came back to this article, or have decided to go ahead and better your computer right away. First step to get rid of these antivirus is to go to the Control Panel, then Add/Remove programs (Windows XP) or Programs and Features (Windows Vista and 7). Once you remove it from there and restart, you will then want to run the removal tool. For your convenience I have posted the links to each below.
Norton Removal Tool – Click Here (Takes you to website to choose your Norton product)
McAfee Removal Tool – Click Here (Directly downloads the universal McAfee Removal Tool)
Use the removal tool that fits your product and follow the step by step until it completes and restarts. Once that is done you are finally free of them and should notice your system running faster already. Next step is to install a dependable, light wait antivirus so you are protected.
Choosing and installing a new Antivirus
I always encourage people to do research for themselves but if you want my opinion and quick answer, Kaspersky is the best antivirus on the market now, good alternatives are NOD32 and Viper. Middle of the pack antivirus are Avast, Webroot, Panda and AVG. Although AVG is going down the Norton/McAfee road and requires a removal tool these days as well.
Still Need Help With Removing Your Antivirus Software? Call Epic Tech!
As always if you ever need help with any of the instructions in this write up, or computer/smartphone service for any other reason don’t be afraid to call or text Epic Tech at 701-426-2192 or message us though the contact form.
