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I bought a new software from McAfee to help protect both of my pc’s ~ one on XP and one on Vista. Before I install this new McAfee I planned on uninstalling my old anti-virus programs from Norton, McAfee, and Webroot Spy Sweeper first. Are there any precautions that I should think about or do this?
I would recommend returning the McAfee software (if possible) and downloading AVG. It's free, and doesn't have the myriad of problems that Norton and McAfee have.
If you decide to stay with the McAfee, definitely uninstall old software.
It's OK to have multiple antispyware applications, because they won't conflict. You're doing the right thing uninstalling the old antivirus application, though.
If you want to be meticulous, you should disconnect the PC from all means of accessing the Internet during the brief time that it has no antivirus application. That will prevent worm infections.
I would recommend returning the McAfee software (if possible) and downloading AVG. It's free, and doesn't have the myriad of problems that Norton and McAfee have.
If you decide to stay with the McAfee, definitely uninstall old software.
I would agree entirely with this.
Either that, or I use Windows Live OneCare now, particularly since I can tell if my mother is skipping her automatic updates without being anywhere near Seattle, and I can call her up and verify that things are going well.
I would recommend returning the McAfee software (if possible) and downloading AVG. It's free, and doesn't have the myriad of problems that Norton and McAfee have.
If you decide to stay with the McAfee, definitely uninstall old software.
Ditto. I am not a fan of McAfee. For clients I recommend AVG if they want free or ZoneAlarm Security Suite (what I use) If they want to spend $$. ZA is much less invasive and has worked perfectly for me.
You would have to tell me this I’m not a fan of ZoneAlarm however. The last time I was using it on a trial it destroyed my registry when I had it uninstalled! However I do know that many other users like the product. I’m just one of those who had trouble with it and I’m not going back to them.
I’ll look into the AVG and see if that’s something I can use. The McAfee (Internet Security Suite) has several other features also with the anti-virus that I’d like to use. Another positive side was that this was being offered at full refund (rebate) price. I know that rebates are not always that good because a buyer has to record copy track and wait for their money to be returned ~ however I’ve dealt with that before and always came out ahead of the game.
Looks like it’s best to use “uninstall” first and get things removed, disconnect the DSL while doing this and then install the new programs. Sounds like a logical thing to do but I hadn’t thought about the disconnect DSL.
You would have to tell me this I’m not a fan of ZoneAlarm however. The last time I was using it on a trial it destroyed my registry when I had it uninstalled! However I do know that many other users like the product. I’m just one of those who had trouble with it and I’m not going back to them.
I’ll look into the AVG and see if that’s something I can use. The McAfee (Internet Security Suite) has several other features also with the anti-virus that I’d like to use. Another positive side was that this was being offered at full refund (rebate) price. I know that rebates are not always that good because a buyer has to record copy track and wait for their money to be returned ~ however I’ve dealt with that before and always came out ahead of the game.
Looks like it’s best to use “uninstall” first and get things removed, disconnect the DSL while doing this and then install the new programs. Sounds like a logical thing to do but I hadn’t thought about the disconnect DSL.
Glad to help, and its just a safety precaution. I've just never been a big fan of McAffee, but each person likes different things in their anti-virus/firewall.
On topic: Watch Norton on uninstall it can be a bear! There is actually a page on their website that has a downloadable uninstaller and directions for manually uninstalling just in case.
If I remember correctly the uninstaller and manual UI depend on the version. I would highly recommend going through the manual version after you finish the auto version. Not everything will work since it has, at least in part, uninstalled, but their uninstallers seem to leave so much behind that you can't trust them.
Off topic: I use rebates a lot! The only companies that have ever screwed me were Symantec and PNY. I no longer buy products from either one.
I've had to un-install symantec many times at work, trust me on this.
Go out and buy one medium-sized sacrificial chicken and a large sweet potato. If you don't have a fireplace or a fire pit at your house run over to hardware and buy the longest extension cable you can find. Next you will need to find a Yew tree. Cut off a branch and whittle it down into a spit to cook your chicken on later. Now go out and find some nice secluded woods if you don't have the above mentioned fireplace-- don't forget your computer.
1. Get your fire roaring.
2. Snap the chicken's neck and drink the blood that flows out. Then run the spit through it and put it on the fire.
3. Begin damning Symantec for ever buying Norton and ruining such a wonderful anti-virus utility all the while dancing around the fire.
If you get hungry while the chicken is cooking, eat the sweet potato.
I've had to un-install symantec many times at work, trust me on this.
Go out and buy one medium-sized sacrificial chicken and a large sweet potato. If you don't have a fireplace or a fire pit at your house run over to hardware and buy the longest extension cable you can find. Next you will need to find a Yew tree. Cut off a branch and whittle it down into a spit to cook your chicken on later. Now go out and find some nice secluded woods if you don't have the above mentioned fireplace-- don't forget your computer.
1. Get your fire roaring.
2. Snap the chicken's neck and drink the blood that flows out. Then run the spit through it and put it on the fire.
3. Begin damning Symantec for ever buying Norton and ruining such a wonderful anti-virus utility all the while dancing around the fire.
If you get hungry while the chicken is cooking, eat the sweet potato.
off-topic/: Just gotta say... that there is one of the best posts have read - thanks for the laugh! /off-topic
on-topic/: Agree, whole-heartedly regarding AVG, ZA, etc - great products for the Windows side. Had Norton years ago, at that time it was a very good product...
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Thanks to all of you!
I’m not a fan of ZoneAlarm however. The last time I was using it on a trial it destroyed my registry when I had it uninstalled! However I do know that many other users like the product. I’m just one of those who had trouble with it and I’m not going back to them. 
