Cpu Usage

[Flyin40]

I just spent several hrs going through my laptop trying to figure out how my CPU was at 100% usage with no programs running. It was running at 100% then would drop down to 2%. The whole time it was Norton Security. I had already removed all of the Symatec programs(at least I thought I did) and left the one. I had just re-setup my wireless network and installed quite a few programs. I set up my wireless router to make sure I didn't have any uninvited guest on my network, I can visit about 4 unsecured networks other people set up. Of course I thought Norton was already gone so I didn't even think about that. I assumed it was something that was installed in the background of one the programs I installed.

I just spent all that time in msconfig trying to figure out what was taxing the system, disabling different startup items to keep down usage and it didn't have anything to do with the startup and background programs.

I was viewing taskmanger and caught a SymEXE. running at 99%. Then it was gone and popped up again. I went back through my program files and deleted every damn Norton and Sym file I could find. Fixed it. LOL

I guess this is more of a rant and probably belongs in the other forum so I'll ask what everyone uses as virus protection???

I can't stand Norton, it jsut taxes the system too much.

I installed PC-Chillin and I like it so far.

Flyin40

Edited February 6, 2006 by Flyin40

[AikiDale]

McAfee. I have the virus scan and firewall installed and task manager reports them at 0% normally, and is running at about 30% right now, because I just told it to scan everything as a test while responding to your message.

[Paul B]

I'm normally a pretty good computer geek, but there must be something wrong with my body chemistry or something because every computer I've had McAfee on has been crashed by the McAfee software. The most recent was a new Dell laptop which came with McAfee and it makes it 4 bad experiences for me. I know there are others who have absolutely no problem so it must be me.

One suggestion, if you run into problems remove all the Norton and McAfee and download the free versions of Zonelab and Grisoft AVG. They are sooooo friendly even I like them.

[Merlin Orr]

My newest Toshiba laptop came with Norton so I paid up and activated it. Never again. What a resource hog! Nothng will run at above 1/3 speed when Norton is doing it's thing. Never a problem with McAffe but I will try Zonelab and Grisoft AVG. per Paul's input after I dump Norton and before buying something else.

[Nik Habicht]

Computer Associates EZ Armor --- ever since someone turned me onto it a year ago, in the great computer building thread....

[AikiDale]

My newest Toshiba laptop came with Norton so I paid up and activated it. Never again. What a resource hog! Nothng will run at above 1/3 speed when Norton is doing it's thing. Never a problem with McAffe but I will try Zonelab and Grisoft AVG. per Paul's input after I dump Norton and before buying something else.

My Toshiba came with Norton. I dumped it and replaced with McAfee.

Amazing how great shooters think alike....

[AZ38super]

Sorry guys but I have to disagree...

Tried all those others and would not waste my time or money.

I have run Norton for many years and will continue to do so with no problems what so ever and no high cpu usage as you claim.

Never had a virus or anything else get through when others did with other products.

As they say "If it aint broke don't fix it!"

[1911user]

I currently run AVG (free) for virus protection, a router (hardware firewall), zone alarm (software firewall), and hosts file blocking of ad websites. I ran with no virus protection for a year and didn't get anything although both firewalls were up during that year.

My computer is at 100% cpu usage 24/7 running a distributed computing program called Folding at Home (protein growth simulation to understand disease spread). I build all of my computers with the cooling and airflow needed for stability with a constant 100% load when overclocked. The system I'm posting with has been doing it for the last 2.5 years.

[Chills1994]

I'm with AZ38Super on this.

I've been running Norton AV, IS, and Anti-Spam for a few years now.

I've never had a problem with it. When I first read this message, I clicked on my CPU usage and it was at 2%.

The Norton software has even caught some spyware when I run it maybe once a week for anti-virus scans. I also run Lavasoft's Ad-Aware.

At first, before I knew about port blocking and stopping internet file sharing, Norton would warn me when somebody was trying to ping my computer and install a Trojan. It would even come up with a cool little map of the world.

Now why would somebody in the DoD and China being trying to access my computer? MMMNnn... I don't know, really.

I have some stuff on the hard drive that I really want to protect. Yes, I know I should back the stuff up on CD's or DVD's, but I don't have a DVD burner yet. I'm also thinking about getting another HD. Seems the TiVo shows fill up the 'puter's HD pretty fast.