Kaspersky Antivirus versus Norton Antivirus

Both Kaspersky and Norton/Symantec are also highly respected developers with excellent products. In order to adequately compare the two programs, it really depends on which editions of Kaspersky and Norton are being compared. Both Kaspersky and Norton offer full product lineups - and new versions are released regularly. Within each company’s product lineup are programs that offer varying levels of protection and different features. With that in mind, let’s make sure that we’re comparing apples to apples.

For example, are you looking at the antivirus-only products or combination products such as Norton Internet Security 2010 which offers protection against viruses, spyware, spam, phishing attempts, and hackers? Or are you looking at Norton 360 which adds online backups to the equation?

Once we know which version of Norton you are dealing with, then we can look at Kaspersky’s product lineup and find a comparable product.

System Requirements

Don’t forget to double-check Kaspersky and Norton’s system requirements. If your computer barely meets the system requirements, slowdowns could be one of many adverse results, so pay attention.

Performance Comparisons

While older editions of antivirus products from a number of companies have a reputation for causing computer slowdowns, the newer editions have largely overcome these resource sapping issues. I can personally vouch for Norton Internet Security 2010’s performance. A trial version of this product came pre-installed on my new Windows Vista 64-bit laptop and it was fast! What’s neat is that in its interface was a performance indicator that showed how many resources the operating system was using as well as how many resources Norton was using at any given time. So far, Norton has not adversely affected my computer’s performance. Of course, this new computer is loaded with RAM and a powerful processor which is why I am going to recommend that you download the free trial version of each product and find out how well the products perform on your system.

Free Trial Versions for Kaspersky

Free Trial Versions for Norton

Each trial version is good for 30 days which is more than enough time to see how each one compares. Since most antivirus programs require the removal of other antivirus programs, you may need to run the trial versions one after the other rather than side-by-side. Keep a notebook by your computer and take notes, jotting down what you like and dislike about each product. At the end of your test, review your notes and buy the program that did the best based on your criteria.

Computer Cleanup Costs

It sounds as though your computer is indeed a mess. At a minimum, you will need a good, reputable computer security solution that takes care of viruses and spyware, preferably in real time. From there, you may need a registry cleaner, though removing viruses and spyware may solve many of your registry-related issues, so rid the computer of the malware before opting for a registry cleaner. If you are concerned about privacy, privacy software is something to consider as well.

What’s it going to cost? It depends on the choice that you make. Expect to pay about $50 for good computer security product, about $30 to $40 for a registry cleaner, and about $40 to $50 for a privacy product. You could also go for a “one-time fix” which costs about $130 to remove virus and spyware as well as optimize your slow computer though this won’t address the privacy issues. As far as your printer, let’s see if cleaning your computer of the malware and registry issues solves that problem. If not, you can try updating your printer driver which is usually a simple do-it-yourself job.

Cleaning Viruses and Spyware

By far the most import task is to rid your computer of all those viruses, spyware programs, and adware programs. Not only are these programs damaging to your computer, they slow it down dramatically and cause all kinds of computer errors. In addition, spyware has the potential to compromise your bank and credit card accounts. We highly recommend a computer security product that protects against both viruses and spyware such as ParetoLogic’s Antivirus Plus. In addition, we have reviewed additional antivirus products, all of which should be able to clean up your computer and protect it from future infestations. You can read the reviews here. A couple of them are free for personal use, so if money is an option, you might take a closer look at those options. No matter which antivirus program you choose, make sure to update it and run a complete system scan on your computer.

Cleaning the Registry

Once the viruses and spyware are gone, you should notice a significant performance improvement. If your computer is still slow or generating errors, run a free RegCure registry scan and see if your computer is a good candidate for registry cleaning. The scanner will let you see what types of registry errors are affecting your computer. As a scanning tool, it only scans, it will not repair the registry. If your computer has numerous registry errors, you may want to go ahead and invest in the product. What’s neat about cleaning the registry is that you’ll solve so many computer errors at their root and see a big difference in performance. Plus, you can use it regularly to keep your computer running at its best.

Privacy Issues

Next, if you are concerned about someone viewing the files on your computer, you might consider a utility designed to protect your privacy. We recommend Privacy Controls from ParetoLogic. With this product, you can erase your Web history, make your passwords unrecoverable, clear chat logs, clear search histories, and permanently shred files.

You have a bit of work ahead of you. Start by researching computer security products and get rid of the malware ASAP. From there, you have time to consider your other options. While spending $50 to over $100 to clean your computer may not be in your budget, it’s much less than a new computer. Plus, getting rid of the spyware before the bad guys steal your account numbers is crucial.

Modern Malware

The malware business is a game of cat and mouse on a grand scale. As soon as computer security experts block one class of malware, malware makers introduce another which is why security updates are released several times per day. One of the tricks that malware makers use is to block access to computer security Web sites. After all, if you can’t download a computer security product, you can’t easily remove the malware. The desote.exe file is associated with a fake antivirus program known as Windows Police Pro.

Trend Micro

Since you have Trend Micro, you already have an excellent product that should be able to deal with threats of this nature. If your version of Trend Micro is several years old, you may not have full protection. The newer editions protect against both viruses and spyware and offer real time protection. In addition, you need the most up-to-date antivirus patterns and updates. However, this is a fairly new threat and a quick search on the Trend Micro site didn’t reveal any information. This doesn’t mean that they haven’t worked out a fix. In fact, a fix may have already been issued, but you may not have it yet. First, launch Trend Micro and update its patterns and then run a complete system scan. If that doesn’t do the trick, it’s time to see if any of the online scanners will run before exploring manual, do-it-yourself options.

Because this virus is relatively new, keep updating Trend Micro in the hopes of an automatic fix soon.

Online Scanners

Several online scan tools exist. Granted, many viruses are programmed to block access, but it’s still worth a try.

• Trend Micro Online Housecall
• Windows Live OneCare Safety Scanner
• Symantec Security Check
• Eset Online Scanner

Manual Removal Guide

Instructions for removing Windows Police Pro are starting to appear online. You will need to make changes to the Windows Registry and follow a series of steps to rid your computer of this pesky program. If you have advanced skills and are a stickler for following directions, check out these Windows Police Pro removal instructions. A file that makes the Windows registry changes is included in the instruction page. Once you make those changes, you should be able to access and use MalwareBytes. We have not tested these instructions so use at your own risk.

Norton Removal Tool

If Perfect Uninstaller didn’t do the trick, Symantec provides a downloadable “Norton Removal Tool” that should solve your problem. This will involve quite a bit of work on your part, but overall it’s not terribly difficult. Go to the Symantec Website and find the Norton Removal Tool. Choose your version of Norton 360 from the list and read the instructions carefully before proceeding. For example, the instructions say that you must backup your ACT! and WinFax databases before running the tool, so make sure to do so if you have those products because the Norton Removal Tool removes ALL Norton products. Because of this, backup your related databases and write down your product keys for these Norton products. Later, you can reinstall the desired programs and restore your data.

Action Steps for Removing Norton with the Norton Removal Tool

First, check your computer for all Norton and Symantec products since these will be uninstalled. Backup the related data, write down your product keys, and search for the software for future reinstallation. If you do not have CDs for the products that you will be reinstalling, check the Symantec website to see if downloads are available. Usually, trial versions can be converted into fully functional versions when you enter the product key, but it doesn’t hurt to double check to be sure.

Check to see if you have the Norton Add-on Pack (antispam and parental controls). If so, use the Add-on Pack migration tool to backup your settings if you plan on reinstalling Norton later.

Use either the online backup feature or download the BUdump.exe file to backup your Norton Secure Online Storage backup settings.

Finally, download the Norton Removal Tool and save it to your desktop. Double-click the icon and follow the prompts to uninstall Norton.

After the Norton Removal

Once uninstalled, give your computer a reboot to ensure that all settings are refreshed and then start reinstalling the Norton and Symantec programs that you want to keep, if any. Use the product keys to reactivate the software and then restore your data from your backups.

About Trojan.Win32.Agent.Azsy

Trojan.win32.Agent.Azsy “personal antivirus” is actually a trojan virus that tries to look like an antivirus program by putting up popup windows designed to confuse the user. The virus uses a logo that is similar to Symantec’s - a legitimate antivirus manufacturer. Trojans are designed to look real in order to gain access to your system, and will then start destroying or exporting your files and data. There are some really good programs that you can buy to scan for and remove viruses like this one including AntiVirusPlus.

Reveal all Files and Folders

Before you run the scan you should set your computer to show all file extensions, so that the scan has the best chance to find all the associated trojan files.

• Right click the Start button, then select Explore
• Choose Organize, then Folder and Search Options
• Select the View tab, and then Show Hidden Files and Folders
• Click the box to remove the check from Hide Extensions for Known File Types and Hide Protected Operating System Files
• Choose Yes, then Apply, and then OK

Update your Software Programs

Before you run your antivirus and antimalware scans, make sure that the software is up to date with the latest definitions from the manufacturer. This mean using the programs’ update features to get the latest releases.

Manual Removal

It is important that you get a good antivirus scan to remove the trojan - there are also steps that you can take to remove it manually but, unless you are quite experienced with virus removal the process can be risky as it involves editing the computer’s registry. If you decide to go this route, you will have to remove all the files containing “personal antivirus” as well as a number of Microsoft local setting keys. A web search for steps to remove the registry entries will provide a complete list. If you go this route, you might also consider getting in touch with a remote technical assistant for real time troubleshooting support. We recommend the services available here.

Take Care Downloading from the Internet

It is always important to be very careful when importing or installing anything from the Internet. Virus writers and hackers are really good at creating destructive programs that look like good products. Always download from authorized and verifiable websites and directly from manufacturers.

In order to play or install a RAR game, you need to be able to open the file. Since the no$gba.rar is a zipped or RAR file, you need to unzip it using special software. Once you have unzipped the file which means that you have extracted or taken the files out of the compressed state, you will be able to either play the RAR game or install it, depending on the particular game that you have.

What Are RAR Files?

RAR files are those that contain one or more files that have been compressed to take up less space. They are sometimes referred to as data containers since they contain a certain amount of data. Try thinking of an RAR file as a piece of luggage filled with lots of bits and pieces. Most of us stuff that suitcase full by cramming everything into and maybe even sitting on the suitcase to close it completely. Sometimes we need a little help to open it and take everything out. The same is true of an RAR file.

Download Software to Open RAR Files

While there are several programs that you can use to unzip a RAR file, WinRAR and WinZip are the most popular of commonly used ones. You need to visit the website for WinRAR or WinZip and download the application to your computer. WinRAR offers a two month trial version that you can use. Once the two months have gone by, you’ll need to pay for the application to continue using it. Once you have this program installed on your computer system, you will be able to open or unzip the RAR file.

How to Open RAR File

• Once you have installed one of the above applications, you need to right click on the no$gba.rar file.
• Select or click unzip.
• The WinRAR or WinZip program, whichever one you downloaded, should then uncompress and open the file.
• You should see the .exe file as it should become available at this point. Opening this file should lead to the ability to play the game or to install the game for playing.

Uninstalling AVG 8.5

Since AVG 8.5 is not showing up in the Control Panel’s Add and Remove Programs utility, the next obvious step is to go to Start > Programs > AVG 8.5 > Uninstall AVG, which is what the FAQs of AVG’s support page recommends. However, it sounds as though this isn’t showing up in your list in the Start menu, correct?

Because the Start button’s list sometimes doesn’t display everything that it should, let’s go into Windows Explorer to check the actual AVG folder for an uninstall.exe (or similarly named) file. Right-click the Start button and choose Explore. This opens Windows Explorer where you can look under Program Files for an AVG folder. Inside the AVG folder, you should find an uninstall utility. If so, try uninstalling AVG with that.

Try Installing the Latest Version of AVG

AVG’s FAQs also suggest installing the latest version of AVG when you have trouble uninstalling AVG 8.5. While this may work, consider downloading the AVG Remover from AVG instead.

The AVG Remover

AVG offers a utility called the AVG Remover on its Download page. Both 32-bit and 64-bit versions are offered, so make sure to download the appropriate one for your operating system. (If you’re unsure whether you have a 32-bit or 64-bit operating system, go to Control Panel > System and look under System in the System Type area). The AVG Removal tool removes everything related to AVG including registry entries, installation files, AVG user files and settings, and Virus Vault content. It does require a system restart during the process, so before you run this tool, close your programs and save your data.

Of the three choices, if you cannot find a built-in installer in your AVG folder, I would go with the AVG Remover tool from AVG’s Download page.

Restarting is always a good move when programs won’t open because rebooting frees up system resources that could be interfering with your programs opening properly. Since that hasn’t worked, let’s dig a little deeper.

Rollback Recent System Changes

It sounds like this has just started. If so, performing a System Restore may be a viable option. If your computer is running Windows XP or Vista and System Restore has been enabled, go to Start > Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Restore and choose a Restore Point from when you could open Firefox and iTunes successfully. This will reset your computer to that point without affecting your newly added data. You will need to reinstall any new hardware, software, or updates since that point. Keep in mind that those reinstalls may reintroduce the problem that interfered with these programs in the first place though.

Try Opening the Programs Directly

If you are launching Firefox and iTunes via a shortcut icon on your Desktop, try opening them directly from their .exe files. It could be that the shortcuts have become broken or corrupt.  Mozilla is typically located in C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe. If the shortcuts are corrupt and you can open the programs locally, there could be either a file association problem or corrupt icon cache.

Update your Operating System

Operating system updates often solve intermittent problems with other programs. Likewise, updates often cause conflicts (which is why System Restore helps). If you haven’t updated your system in a while, do so now and see if that repairs the issue.

Check to See if Programs are Running

Does either of these programs give you an error message? Firefox sometimes doesn’t close properly and then stubbornly refuses to open again. Go into Task Manager and look for firefox.exe under the Applications tab. If it’s running, stop it. Try launching it once again.

Uninstalling and Reinstalling the Programs

Sometimes, it’s easier to uninstall and reinstall applications then it is to figure out what has gone wrong.  

Another good step when your computer suddenly refuses to operate as it should is a thorough antivirus and antispyware scan. Malware often gobbles up so much of your computer’s resources that programs no longer open. This could be a symptom of a larger problem. Assuming you have a reputable antivirus product, update it, and run a full system scan. If you don’t have one, we recommend any of the product we reviewed last year: Antivirus Reviews.

You’re right; Microsoft doesn’t want you removing important operating system files. This is one reason why the operating system hides many of its system files. Unfortunately, malware makers are smart. They know that if they name their virus after a legitimate Microsoft file, computer users are less likely to delete the file. After all, if a user thinks a file is a necessary Windows file, he’s not going to delete it.

Viruses as Imposters

It is not uncommon for malware makers to give their viruses the same names, or clever variations, of legitimate operating system files. For example, the “lsass.exe” (spelled with an “L”) file is a legitimate Microsoft operating system file but a file named “isass.exe” (spelled with an “I”) is malware. This is one of my favorite examples because depending on the font and case used, the “L” and “I” can be easily confused. For example, don’t the following two words look remarkably similar?

• lsass.exe
• Isass.exe

Another example is “systray.exe” versus “systemtray.exe.” If you’re thinking that Microsoft uses one of these files to control the “System Tray” area of the taskbar, you’re right; one of these files does do that. The other is a nasty imposter. Casual users aren’t necessarily equipped to know which one is which. That’s why we rely on antivirus products. In this example, the legitimate Microsoft file is systray.exe and the systemtray.exe file is part of the Bigfoot Trojan.

The svchost.exe file is another popular Windows file that virus makers like to name their viruses after. Below are a few filenames based on the svchost.exe name that have been used by known malware programs:

• svchosts.exe
• sychost.exe
• syshost.exe

While these are examples of malware that use a similar looking filename, many other viruses use the exact same name as a real Microsoft files or folders. For example, your Windows computer contains a legitimate operating system folder called System32, but you’d better be careful if you find an actual system32.exe file - it’s most likely malicious!

How Antivirus Programs Know Real Microsoft Files from Fake Files

It’s tough for computer users to know the difference, but not so tough for antivirus programs. After all, these programs use complex algorithms and huge databases to sniff out the malicious programs. These programs know where the legitimate files are supposed to be stored on the computer and recognize imposters hanging out in the wrong directories.

Therefore, if your computer’s antivirus program is telling you that it has found malicious files and these files appear to be Microsoft files, it’s highly probable that they are in fact malware. If you’re unsure, do a quick check on the Internet using a phrase such as, “Is the ___.exe file a virus?”    

This type of problem seems to be an intermittent problem that other computer users have experienced as well. AVG uses several binary files in order to run. If one or more of these aren’t actively working, you will not be able to complete the download. The solutions for this problem vary according to other individuals with the same type of problem. Go through the suggestions one at a time until you find one that works for you. Typically, however, the fix for this type of problem is simply to wait a few days and try again. AVG occasionally has a problem when they bring out a new version or update and it rights itself after a day or two.

Troubleshooting Download Problem - Invalid Binary Code: Check the Basics

Since more than one version of AVG Free is available, you need to make sure that you are trying to download the correct version for your operating system.

Make sure that your Internet connection is working properly since this could lead to problems downloading AVG. Open the “Control Panel” and select “Network Connections.” Select “Local Area Connection” and “Repair.”

Special rules apply if you are using a dial-up Internet connection. You’ll need to open AVG, enter the “Tools” menu, select “Advanced Settings,” select “Update,” and select “Dial up.” Now look to make sure that you have enabled the option to “Use dial up connections.”

Make sure that your clock/date settings on the computer are accurate. For some reason, if these settings are inaccurate, they sometimes leads to problems accessing website downloads.

Scan your computer for spyware/viruses just in case your computer has been infected. It is possible that the presence of some malware is interfering with your download.

Troubleshooting Download Problem - Invalid Binary Code: Start Over

If you are still experiencing problems with the installation, start over with a fresh installation. If you have a partial installation of AVG on your computer, you’ll have to uninstall it per the directions on AVG’s website and reinstall it.

Troubleshooting Download Problem - Invalid Binary Code: Wait a Day or Two

AVG is noted for fixing problems of this sort in just a few short days or so. It seems as though new updates or versions of AVG experience problems that generate an invalid binary code message. Other users of this application have expressed similar problems that were resolved by AVG. Therefore, if you try to download AVG in a few days, it might work without any problems whatsoever.