hi - my norton runs out tomorrow, when i install clamwin, do i need to uninstall norton or just keep it running side by side with old virus defintions?

cheers,

ollie

you can have it running side by side
https://www.clamwin.com/content/view/108/27/

in which case how complete an antivirus program IS clam win, as the recognised practice where antivirus programs is concerned is to have only one installed av program to prevent conflicts; to leave Norton installed (even if definitions are then out of date)and have clamwin is not good practice surely?

The link to which Alch referred you mentioned that ClamWin does not have an on-access scanner. It is an on-demand scanner (you either start a scan manually or you can schedule one). An on-access scanner like Norton checks files when they are accessed (opened/closed) on your computer. You should not have two antivirus programs performing on-access scanning because they interfere with each other. Since ClamWin is on-demand--not on-access, it doesn't interfere with Norton or any other antivirus program (AV).

Except for the lack of on-access scanning, ClamWin is a pretty good AV, and that will be addressed in a future version. The Clam signature database is kept up very frequently--unlike some commercial antiviruses. You can schedule hourly updates if you like. The program is improved constantly. Because it is Open Source software, significant problems are quickly identified/addressed instead of keeping users in the dark.

If you surf the Web a lot, you need an on-access scanner for real-time protection. You can use Clamwin as a "backup" scanner. There are several good on-access scanners available for free. Look at AVG, AntiVir, or Avast.

You should also not use any antivirus program that does not have up-to-date signatures. There are too many viruses coming out every day now to take a chance.

Regards,