--
Frank


"figaro" wrote:

> I will soon be getting a computer and for the first time have XP home. Been
> using ME. I have always had Norton Utilities and Antivirus. I mostly used
> utilities to defrag, scan disc etc. Looking at the XP web site it looks like
> there are plenty of maintenance tools that come with it so I wonder if the
> Norton utilities are worth it. I do like having the Anti-virus that warns me
> when one is coming in the email. Does XP have a feature that will do this
> and update virus definitions each day? Any program better and if so why?
> What about the firewall that you can get with service pack 2. Is that all I
> need?
>
>
>

Norton AV is a good product; there are others that are also good, read
some reviews if interested. There are some good AV's that are free too.

Norton SystemWorks is a total waste - it includes AV, which is just about
the only thing in it that is of value. The included utilities are archaic
and of no value - in fact I've known folks that uses 'em and totally hose
their systems. not recommended any more.

Norton Security Suite is good; there are others that are also good,
ZoneAlarm's Suite is considered very good. These suites tend to have
large feature sets, you need to review them carefully to find the one that
does what most concerns you. Some are great firewalls, w/ ok parental
controls; others have great parental controls. you have to do your
research to find the right product for you. PC Mag is a good starting
point, check your local library or neighbohood geek!

And there are free alternatives to many of the components within the
suites. but having the "whole tomato" wrapped in a nice integrated
interface has its benefits.