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Chaska, MinnesotaO.k. this was awful for me. I am not a computer literate sort of person. I hire computer specialist to install my internet security system every year. Well yesterday, I got the pop up on my computer that Norton Security system is due for renewal and I could just do it by clicking on the renewal button. So I thought "o.k., I can do this". I followed the instructions, populated it with my credit card number and hit "download". Well, I hurts just thinking about what just ensued...11 hours later, I got it downloaded!!! First I could not tell if I did it right, so I called Norton. Some fella in India (I believe) answered the phone and gave me the good news "for $39.99 we can connected you to our specialist and they will fix it right now". I figure, that is cheaper than calling my computer guy for $79 and hour. So I said "o.k.".
They got permission for me to let them have access to my desktop. The first guy spent several hours on it finally handing off to his supervisor who handed it off to another and finally a person who got it fixed. Now, I had to call in to work for I could not leave my computer with them having access to my files and stuff. I have no idea what they did.... has anybody had this experience too?
Bears by EdieOh my goodness, Michelle! That sounds so scary to me as I am like you and not very computer literate. I hope everything is working okay for you now and that none of your information (or credit card!) were compromised. Sorry I can't offer any real info or advice - just lots of sympathy for what you've gone through!
Hi Michelle,
I've just renewed my Norton subscription too and although my experience was nothing like yours, it certainly wasn't the fairly straightforward and stress-free process it has always been in the past.
It took about a total of about 90 minutes for the download to be completed and even then I wasn't sure if it had worked properly! I did a bit of poking around and luckily it all seems to be doing what it should.
However, since then my access to the internet has been getting slower and slower and this morning I couldn't sign on at all! So I've spent about an hour and a half on the phone to my ISP sorting it out (it would seem that my broadband dialling folder/driver/whatever it is had been damaged and was no longer working properly). I can't say if it has anything to do with the Norton download, but it's a bit of a coincidence.
Another thing that I didn't like (and I don't know if the same happened to you) but during the download process - that is, after payment had been made and I was absolutely committed to the purchase - I was shown a screen which told me that as I was downloading the product I was agreeing to an automatic renewal next year. If I didn't want to do this, I couldn't decline at the time, but have to go into my Norton account and opt out later, I suppose the hope is that I will either forget or just not bother. I was a bit annoyed at not being given a choice, so I was thinking about using a different security product new year - and hearing about your experience has just convinced me that I should!
Glad you got it all sorted out in the end, but sorry you got stung for an extra $40 and it took them hours to fix it!
Bears by EdieI heard a program on computer security on the radio several years ago and the computer specialist doing it said that he felt that the free download version of AVG (for home use only) worked as well as any that you could buy, and in fact that was what he used himself on his home computer. I have used it ever since and am really pleased with it. It is really easy to download (I figured it out myself so it had to be!) and does daily updates. You might want to consider giving it a try.
Past Time BearsJust for "security's" sake, Michelle and Julie, please run a spy sweeper complete scan. My computer started running slowly, then completely stopped. I did a spy sweeper scan and it came up with several adware and spyware problems. Some of these are very bad . . . like I had a Trojan-backdoor-progdav and a couple of others that were all of critical risk to my computer. These allow hackers to get access to your private data. The problem with them is that they can infect without your knowing it. They come in with what you think are legitimate downloads (such as the Norton thing) and wreak havoc. So, just to be on the safe side, run your virus and spyware scans to see if you have any problems.
Busser BearsNorton totally screwed up my computer! AVG is WONDERFUL and free...don't be intimidated by their claims that you need to buy the complete package. They have DAILY updates and of course, bestest of all, it's FREE!!!
hugs,
Leeann Krikau
Busser Bears
I agree about Norton... I took it off a couple years ago when I was having problems with it. A friend who works in computers said that it is one of the worst as not only is it huge & takes up to much room, but it is also one of the main targets by hackers. I used AVG (anti-virus) & Zone Alarm (firewall) - both free - for years with no problems. I'd definitely recommend them both! 
I too use AVG, and its great! Its free and works so nice! :D
Hope your computer working fine now, without any other things happens to it! And as the girls have been saying, do a scan so you know that you are virus free.
TinyBearI use AVG too and have absolutely no problems.
I agree with SueAnn - please run an total scan.
I´m checking for adware and spyware regulary
Hope every thing is ok in your computer Michelle.
Tuppies TeddiesThis AVG sounds good, we are getting reminded by popups that our current security thingo is going to runout in 3 days and to update. As this cost $80 the AVG that you are discussing sounds inviting.
Now, do I just google AVG to find the information on this product????
Jazzy RagsI just got AVG in my computer the computer man told me its good but if you get a virus you have to take it out your self it finds them but wont remove then as i to am not much good with computer i had AVG installed at $79 for two years and it takes care of everything i am very happy with it i don't wont any hassels
FenBeary FolkI am with you guys, Norton is s**t, I ditched it a few years ago, cos of similar probs
I have AVG its brilliant 
Strange BearsMy husband Garth is a motor mechanic and one of his clients is the technical security guy for a very large international company computer system. He tol Garth that AVG leaves most the others for dead and we have used it since with no problems. I have a lap top that came with Nortons free I left it loaded but turned off and loaded AVG. Several times through the last year, when it seemd to slow down or showed signs of having a problem. out of curiosity I tuned AVG off and ran Nortons.......it told me there were no problems. Later that day I ran AVG and it told me it fixed several problems and as it ran faster and quicler after the clean up I believe it did.
I have total confidence in AVG and finf it easy to use.
bearhugs
LuxembearsI too used AVG when I had a pc. My pc choked last week and now I just use my Mac Book. It's wonderful,......no problems at all. Once you try Mac you 'll never go back. My feelings anyway.
I agree with those of you who commented about Norton. I used to get those annoying pop ups util AVG came on board. I had AVG for years when pc was still alive. I highly recommend it too. 
Michelle,
Maybe make sure that you change passwords etc that might be related to any financial/email accounts.
I know that people can log into your computer and do repairs, however I am still a bit weary of doing this.
Hope you are all sorted out soon.
Lynette
MerBear OriginalsI've used AVG for years with no problems. I've had Norton in the past - both at home and in the office. I found it interfers with programs, especially my office programs. Won't use it again and delete it if I get it on a new machine. I'm using McAfee now at the office and it doesn't affect any of my programs.
Marion
Chaska, Minnesotaoh my goodness...what did I get myself into here?!!! You all are great and informative. I am now set for two years with Norton. You can bet, this is the last time I'm doing busines with them.
So here is anothe question. I do not have my passwords pre-populated. I have to type them in everytime for paypal and ebay. Do I still need to change passwords?
DoodlebearsMy advise is if something goes wrong pull the internet connection out right away whilst you do a scan. This can save you getting hacked whilst scanning your files. Sorry this happened to you Michelle.
Hugs, Jane. 
Michelle,
I'm sorry you had this problem. I am probably the most anti-Norton person in the world. Norton unfortunately has crashed every PC I've had and not captured viruses that other programs have. I've switched my PCs and all of my families PCs to avast which is free. I checked out both AVG and avast and liked avast better. That was several years ago and I don't remember why. I even have a version of avast installed on the Windows virtual machine on my MAC.
Yes, I would still change any passwords that you have just to be on the safe side. Also do a spyware scan.
Hugs,
Matilda Huggington-beare:doh: OH Michelle!! truly truly scary stuff. I use AVG free and McAfee and it is backedup by other bits and bobs managed by my internet provider. I haven't (touch wood) crashed since.
All that hoohaa for the sake of $40 I would consider 'false economy'
I hope you havent been compromised Michelle?
Wendy :hug:
Chaska, MinnesotaMy friends tell me my next computer should be an Apple. All have loved it and do not have problems with viruses....What do you all think?
Newcastle, OntarioMichelle,
My husband went out and bought a Macbook two weeks ago, after waiting for a new Dell laptop for over a month and being told it would take another month. He absolutely loves it. My son-in-law recommended it as he had just bought one and was crazy about it. I thought they were very different from a PC and they do some things differently, but they are very user friendly and I like it as well (when he lets me touch it) :crackup: :crackup: They also have a lot less problem with viruses. We could also install Windows on the new Macbook if we want, but won't bother installing it as we like it the way it is.
We have had two Dell computers in the past and were happy with them and had ordered a laptop this time, but their service has deteriorated so badly, we cancelled it and bought the Macbook. Apparently Dell has outsourced their phone service to overseas, and it's awful. No more Dell computer's for us - when my PC needs replacing, I will get another Mac.
I also have a tiny EEE PC, which runs on Linux and I love it. It's very tiny and portable and easy to check my email from whereever I am. Linux is really easy and doesn't have many problems with viruses either, and again, I could install Windows if I want, but why would I want to 
Anyway, sorry to go on, but when you get a new computer, I would definitely look at a Mac!
hugs,
Brenda
Chaska, MinnesotaBrenda writes: I would definitely look at a Mac!
Brenda: thank you so much for your input. I really think the Mac is the way to go too...I will be replacing my Gateway in a couple of years (regardless if it needs to go or not).
