ny alternatives to Norton SystemWorks

Decision to completely remove Norton
I would like to completely remove this program because it is becoming really annoying recently. This program continues making troubles. The last time I got problems with Norton was when I upgraded to Wins XP Pro SP2. Norton Anti-virus suddenly couldn't’t startup anymore (even after I installed all Norton updates!).

Before removing it, I have to find substitutes. Or my computer will be in danger. Does anyone have good recommendations relating to:
(Note: It doesn't really matter it has to be in one suite. If I can get several programs and they meet my needs, it is perfectly fine.
I don't mind to pay so long as they are good enough.
And I don't need all features in NSW. I just need what I ask below)

- Anti-virus
- File Recovery
Requirement:
-- I would like it to work like what Norton Utilities do
-- It will backup all deleted files, items, entries etc.
-- I can tell the program how long I should keep the file
-- It has an exclusion list, so I can exclude some file types or folders which I don’t wish to backup
- Wipe File Permanently
-- so I can safely delete a file which cannot be recovered forever
- Installation Monitor
Requirement:
-- Can record changes made during installation (eg provide snapshots before/after installation);
-- Can remove installed files and reg.
-- Can undo changes made to (overwritten) files/dll/reg etc.
NB: Norton CleanSweep is limited. It cannot really undo a lot of changes. If a file is being overwritten/updated. There’s no way for CleanSweep to help me with that. And I sometimes spotted the program deleting wrong files (and it says it is safe to delete. It is not indeed!)

Thanks.

I have two Dell Dimension P4 desktops running trouble-free with SP2 (an 8100 w/XP Home and an 8300 w/XP Pro) on a LAN that is online close to 24/7 via BellSouth Fast Access ADSL broadband connection.

To allay grief from the Internet, I rely on the following for shielding:

<> NetGear RP614 firewall/router between the modem and the PCs;

<> Integral XP software firewall;

<> Norton AntiVirus 2003 (embedded in suite);

<> Lavasoft Ad-aware 6.0;

<> Spybot - Search & Destroy;

<> Security features of the Google Toolbar; and

<> Screening features for eMail provided by my ISP (BellSouth).

For dealing with a limited security breach (when detected, which is quite seldom), I rely on the first item below; for dealing with catastrophic corruption - or even physical crippling of the primary HDD - I rely on backup images from the second item below which respectively reside on two separate USB 2.0 external HDDs (each PC has a Logical Drive dedicated to it on both external HDDs):

<> Roxio Goback 3.1 Personal Edition (embedded in Norton SystemWorks 2003 Pro suite); and

<> Norton Ghost 2003 (embedded in Norton SystemWorks 2003 Pro suite).

I firmly believe that a physical firewall/router is an absolute necessity for anyone with a broadband connection.

 P.S. The total cost for all the software features described above is $7.00 USD, i.e., the current delivered price of an OEM CD (unboxed) version of Norton SystemWorks 2003 Professional Edition from RowCal.com in West Covina, California, USA.  When my one-year AntiVirus update licenses expire, I scourge the PC and break the seal on a virgin OEM CD to reinstall NSW 2003 Pro all over again.  My last "re-enlistment" procedure was on a buddy's Dell Dimension P3 in October.  Online registration yielded his expiration date to be 10/13/2005; his Norton Ghost 2003 install was hinky at first, but eventually settled down and locked in (never had that happen before).  I previously had on hand ten copies of NSW 2003 Pro from SoftWareOutlet.com and later on five more from Computersworth.com, but their NSW 2003 Pro stocks are now exhausted; so to get some five more copies, I had to turn to RowCal.com where I paid $7.00 each, plus $3.00 each for five OEM Suites of Nero 6.0.

- Wipe File Permanently
-- so I can safely delete a file which cannot be recovered forever


Eraser (freeware) - http://www.heidi.ie/eraser/

Browser -

Mozilla's Firefox (free) or Mozilla (free).  I use Firefox 98% of the time.

I also use Proxomitron (free) in conjunction with all my browsers.

I only have Microsoft's browser installed because you need it to install updates for Windows.  I use it 2% of the time.

El_Pescador wrote on Dec 26^th, 2004 at 1:18pm:


I am surprised you use XP firewall. It does little to stop outgoing traffic (to make it easy to use for everage PC user), like trojans or so. While you use hardware firewall, one of the full fledged but free software firewalls (I had good experiences with both Kerio and ZoneAlarm) would not hurt IMHO.

To answer the initial question, I have been online since 1994, mostly without Norton, and no major malware in my family, tracking cookies is a different story
My current configuration on main home computer is Norton free, except for Ghost of course (kids machines and work computer have different configurations though):

D-link wireless router with firewall features
ZoneAlarm firewall (free)
AVG antivirus (free)
Firefox internet browser (free and great, new addition to the system)
Adaware SE (free but does not support firefox cookies)
Spybot (free, ? support firefox cookies)
Spywareblaster (free and supports firefox cookies, new addition and a great preventive tool)
I do not use any MS email applications!

Hi.
The installation monitor will examine the installation process of a program. Since its own uninstaller doesn't uninstall well, that's why we need this.

System Restore:
- only registry or its similar is monitored. Flawy in some cases. To me, the system Restore failed at one time and it never worked anymore.

Imaging/Cloning:
- It is going to image/clone the whole system, then restore again. It seems a bit of huge work, especially you frequently try programs and uninstall the bad ones.