LordOfTheGeek

Alright.  Let’s take a quick look comparing the newest edition to last years all-in-one offering from Symantec:

NIS 2006 Features:

• Random crashing, blocking all incoming and outgoing mail.
• The most popular (and most bypassed) security suite.
• Consumes vast system resources, leaving none for viruses

NIS 2007 Features:

• Random crashing, blocking all incoming and outgoing mail.
• The most popular (and most bypassed) security suite.
• Consumes vast system resources, leaving none for viruses
• *NEW* Complete blocking of all PPTP VPN connections, even when set to allow.  Because no one would ever need a VPN connection. =p
• *NEW* Completely new and confusing user interface.  It almost looks like a monkey was shown a screencap of Vista, hit on the head repeatedly with a hammer, and tasked to build the Norton UI.

Looking for an alternative to bloatware?  Try these free (for personal use) alternatives.  Just be sure to remove your existing solution and reboot first.

Antivirus:

• avast! 4 Home Edition
• AVG Free Edition 

Firewall:

• Sygate Personal Firewall
• Comodo

“Don’t ever let fear stop you from doing something that isn’t life-threatening”
I printed this out and put it by my monitor for optimal remindage. I find myself tackling daunting tasks with much more confidence.

Life is fleeting. So is my memory. I’m going to log thoughts and stuff I’ve learned here, like a diary, only without the dirty little secrets. If you are looking for those, I’d suggest group hug.