How vital is a new virus engine????

[yoda313]

Hello,

I keep my virus updates for Norton current about once a week. However I'm still using Norton Systemworks 2002.

How critical is it to upgrade the actual engine that searches for the viruses???? Do they change the detection methods each version??? How much do I really need to buy the newest version???

Also - upgrade question - if I were to buy the newest NORTON ANTIVIRUS program seperately can I still use the rest of the diagnostic programs in SYSTEMWORKS without buying a whole new copy of SYSTEMWORKS??? Just the ANTIVIRUS program????

Thanks.

Kevin

[Solarjetman]

Actually, its quite important for Norton. There was a recent security flaw (I am not sure is version 2002 is effected) where the automatic virus scanner for emails actually EXECUTED a virus instead of quarentined it.

So, if you were even sent the virus via email, the virus checker itself caused you to become infected.

There is a patch. So you don't have to get a new version, just the patch.

[rallynavvie]

LiveUpdate with SystemWorks will apply those patches in addition to updating virus definitions. The only reason I've seen to upgrade to a later version rather than renewing a subscription is because XP SP2 doesn't seem to recognize older versions of Norton and so won't integrate with it. Oh and also the newer GUI.

[yoda313]

Hello,

Thanks - I don't use auto update - I manually download the virus updates.....

Kevin

[Poppa_Meth]

it is critical IMO. I had Norton 2002 on the PC and work and changed it out to AVG near the end of '04. It immediately caught 9 virus infections that Norton did not. Now whether its was an outdated engine or if norton just sucks, I'm not sure on.

[redwudz]

I had a similar situation to Poppa_Meth. I kept updating Norton 03, then Norton 04 went on sale at Staples for free after rebates. I installed 04 and it immediately found four viruses that my recently updated Norton 03 couldn't. I was mad, but I guess their business is selling new programs. I suppose the virus engines need updating, not just the definitions. When it came time to update again, I changed to AVG and never looked back.

[yoda313]

Hello,

Hmm.... Interesting. Thanks for the responses.

I may look for a good price on the newest SYSTEMWORKS.

Kevin