Norton or Avast?

Topic.

My dad got me an original copy of Norton, which has been installed onto 2 computers. He told me that the software can be installed on 3, which leaves me with the last install. plus since the software was now installed onto another computer, he told me that the timer for the software to expire is ticking, giving me about 11 months tops.

My old current anti-virus is Avast...

...Oh, and my dad is no genius with computers, and the norton was given to him by a friend from work... Just thought I'd say...

Lastly, my PC ain't no miracle when it comes to quality... as seen on a thread I made, which I'm having a hard time giving since I'm typing via Mac... damn mac for not having a right-click. Anyways, seeing the poor quality of my PC, I don't think installing 2 constantly running anti-viruses is a good idea.

Norton is like Windows Firewall, they both have more holes in them than swiss cheese. That and Norton is a notorious resource hog, which your computer can't likely afford. Personally I've never been fond of Avast either as it can be a resource hog as well.

My favorite has always been Avira, and Avira is free - or rather there is a free version that is very good.

If you had to go with one of those two, I would definitely recommend Avast over Norton, but that isn't saying much.

Norton, slowing computers down since 1990.

Though that would not say that I do like Avast (which in fact, I hate).

Kaspersky FTW!

Avast is infinitely better than Norton, but I'd stay away from both. And whatever you do, do no install both. Oftentimes they can conflict and cause you even more problems.

Avira is great for a free program, though I've personally always preferred Nod32. You can get a free month trial, but you have to pay after that. I've strung a few different emails together to get more than a month free, but you can only do that for so long.

Damn... looks like just about everyone hates both Norton AND Avast... Nod is good too...

had norton, all it did was constantly download updates and slow down the computer, formatted the computer and never used it again.

I used Norton a decade ago. I remember it was only good to block my programs, and allow everything else. A piece of shit, to summarize. Never tried Avast, so i can't tell...
I suggest you using NOD32 or Kaspersky, for example.

We have same perspective about this one ... Avira is (IMO) one of best Free Antiviruses ..
well, a lot of false alarm indeed is a fact ...
but it is secure ... and Avira not using your Memory as much as Norton .. yes, i use norton and it slowing down my comp

in topic, why there is no option "I will not installing both",
besides .. thinking about using 2 antiviruses at one comp will charge you nerve block ..

I use avast. Free, easy to use, and it's always worked pretty well for me.
Norton is shit though, don't use it

This man speaks truth Kaspersky has the best detection rate of the big AV programs.
The newer version of Norton is an improvement over the old train wreaks that is the original run of Norton before 360.

But if I had the choice between the two above I'd go Norton simply because it has a better detection rate.

Edit: Free anti virus programs are overrated the old adage of "You pay for what you get" applies here most are trash some are good but not 100% good, although I hate the subscription model for AVs these days the commercial programs tend to give better protection.
Sad thing is even with the latest AVs your computer is only as secure as the stupid meatbag using it. No amount of AV or firewalls will protect you from someone who just clicks on any old link.

I'd choose running with nothing at all. Seriously just use safe web habits and if you suspect you got malware just run malwarebytes. If you absolutely must run some sort of antivirus program I would suggest Avira as it doesn't use much resources, its fast, and has the best detection.

edit: Also if you do get Avira you can do this to get rid of the random popup ads.

^This, but you should be removing malware manually, yourself, without the help of an external program. It does take longer, but as soon as you identify what it is, you're good to go. Usually, to find out what's plauging my computer, I use TrendMicro's house call(It also removes them, but that's your choice).

Housecall

Hmm, I like to use Killbox for that. Especially for tough cases. But I rarely encounter those, and I just installed an antivirus for the first time in years :|

Might have been a bit risky though, I must admit.

I use norton 360 4.0 and i havent noticed any kind of slow down.

I don't see an option for none, honestly antivirus is a waste of money and perfectly good operating speed.

Of the two I'd use Avast. However I use AVG myself, haven't had any problems with it.

I prefer Avast don't ask me why just got he feeling that Avast is better than NORTON.

Install Avast. Then go into "msconfig" and disable all the Avast startup processes and services. Now you have an Avast that doesn't make your computer any slower, and scans only when you want it.