Please get me rid of Norton!! - No Offences ;) [Removal Guide and Alternatives] - Fromrum Friday

Hey all my dear readers! How are you? Hope you are enjoying your Friday and planning big for the weekend! :D For me studies are on the cards with final theory exams starting from Monday. Wassup with you all?



So I have used Norton in my past and I never liked it. It's security is not a big problem, the performance issues are. The articles on Internet suggest that Symantec products are hot favourites of hackers and malware designers to play with! Phew, that sounds bad, really bad. Norton ain't that bad a security product, but it degrades the computer performance by a big factor, a really considerable one.

Last week I downloaded and installed a trial copy of the latest version on Norton 360 just to see if it has improved. The boot time of my PC sky-rocketed and it increased at least by a factor of 10(I mean 10 times more time was required to start the computer). If it were undoubted security, the trade-off could have been said to be worth it, but it is just a good one, not the best one. When I had BitDefender on my PC, neither the performance, nor the security was marred. I would say Bit Defender provides Class A security with 100% performance benefits! :) But anyways, our concern here is Norton.

So many problems still Norton is the most popular Antivirus solution? The main reason is that people get it pre-installed on their PC when they buy a new one, else the product is so well marketed, it catches the attention easily. Norton is not the worst product, but if you wish to leave it behind without re-installing the Operating System, it used to give a hard time to anyone. Though a few years back, Symantec itself started to ease the removal process by making the Norton Uninstall a better tool and moreover, for those who still had problems, use a simple Norton Removal Tool(Available here).

I read a couple of posts on the Internet, and used them as a guide to remove Norton from my PC, though I had no problems in removing it, still to show you all how to proceed, I have compiled this small guide with screenshots from my PC during the removal process. A few screens in the beginning would show both Windows XP and Vista, later since it is the screenshots of the tool only, so I have used just one OS example to proceed.

So shall we start? Oh yeah! :)

Norton Removal Guide(Works well with Norton Antivirus, Internet Security, 360, etc.)

PLEASE DOWNLOAD NORTON REMOVAL TOOL FIRST! CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD NOW(DIRECTLY FROM SYMANTEC'S WEBSITE, FREE OF COST). Click any pic to zoom.

Step 1.

Go to Start Menu and Open Control Panel.

Step 2.

Open Add/Remove Programs(WinXP) or Uninstall a Program(Vista/7)

Step 3.

Find Norton Product you wish to uninstall, and click Change/Remove(XP) or Remove(Vista/7).

Step 4.

Go through the Uninstall Wizard. It is necessary to try the simple uninstall at first. If it fails, you must use Norton Removal Tool, else you should use the removal tool for making sure that you have got rid of it 100%. The following pics will guide you through the Uninstall Process.

Step 5.

Run the Norton Removal Tool to remove any remaining bits of Norton. In case the uninstall wizard was successful, do this for surety that you are free of Norton, and if it was unsuccessful, use this removal tool to get rid off Norton. If you have not yet downloaded the removal tool(I have already shared it's link thrice in this post), CLICK HERE NOW TO DOWNLOAD IT. Don't worry, it is safe and 100% free and legal to use. It is supplied by Symantec itself :) The following pics will guide you through the process :)

So you are done removing Norton? Time to move to a new Antivirus. Now there are several Free Alternatives available, of which I suggest using Microsoft Security Essentials, or Avast, or else AVG Antivirus. In case you want a paid antivirus, then I suggest going for Bit Defender or Kaspersky. No other seems worth it if Norton couldn't keep you secure.

In order of Preference, I suggest you guys:

1. Bit Defender - Paid; but the best Antivirus available in the market as yet
2. Microsoft Security Essentials - Free; But needs you to own a Genuine Copy of Windows ( which I know most of you don't use! :P ); The best free alternative
3. Kaspersky - The second best paid Antivirus. If you are using it and don't wish to buy BitDefender, don't worry, Kaspersky is a good antivirus :)
4. Avast - The most popular free antivirus solution available. Almost everyone has used it once in their life, LOL!
5. AVG - The most popular alternative to Avast(hahaha!); Free and easy to use, as effective as Avast. But sometimes gives problem by slowing down the Internet

I hope this guide helped you all who are still irritated by Norton's presence in their system. According to most of the forums, etc. I have read and gone through in this regard, I will say this is the complete guide :) I may be wrong, and if you guys have any suggestions or additions, please let me know so I can update here and help others too. Good Day! :)

A few links to buy Antivirus and security products online :)

6 nice Videos from Yahoo

Hey friends! I have found a few nice videos to share with you all. They are cool, I mean their content is ! :D

10 Staggering Facts About Facebook

10 Amazing Underwater Ruin

10 Worst Product Flops

10 Bizarre Medical Procedures

10 Things You Didn't Know About Pokemon

10 Strange Unexplained Events

I hope you like them. And also I wanted to tell you all I found a nice new cloud storage website. It offer 15 GB free storgae to every new user. If you sign up through the following link, you will get an additional 5 GB once you install their app. Have you guys used Dropbox? This one is quite similar to that, but the bonus storage space is just amazing! :D

CLICK HERE TO JOIN COPY.COM <---If you join through this link you and I both will get 5 GB bonus space. Not joking, I am using this website, and it is nice and amazing and very easy to use. The best thing is that there is no file-size limit! :) So have fun! Also, if one links their twitter account to the website, 2 GB more bonus space is awarded! :D It is cool, I have already uploaded a nice amount of data on my 15 GB. So if you guys join, I might be able to get more free space, and of course you all too will get it! :)

My Laptop! :D - ThinkPad e430 Review - My Take - Tech Tuesday

Hey all! :) So final practicals over, now final Theory start next Monday, phew! Tiring exams. By the way! Welcome to my blog on this nice Tuesday! :D I mean Tech Tuesday! :D

How I finalised e430?

So, I bought my first laptop last year. Why so late? Well, I know PCs are better than Laptops and I don't like wasting money. So I waited until I really needed a computer on the go. The time came finally and my father too agreed to buy me a laptop. I did extensive research and talked to so many people and shopkeepers, read tonnes of reviews on Internet, and thought to buy a HP dv6. My cousin lives abroad and told me he would buy me one and I can give him money when we meet since the laptops are quite cheaper in his country as compared to India. So I started more research to find something more durable and one that carries International Warranty. Sony was one that I immediately ruled out off the list of choices since the cheaper ones are not durable and durable ones are damn expensive! Toshiba is not too popular in India as yet, so I had to give up that also because not too popular implies, bad service(lack of service centres, contacts, etc.) Dell never seems appealing to me, I gave up on that idea way before Sony! :P Moreover, though popular, the reviews of dell(once the warranty expires) are worst! HP doesn't come with an international warranty, and I was thinking of buying a dv6. I gave up that idea too. Now I was thinking about Lenovo IdeaPad. After much roaming around the city and getting reviews, my father suggested me to look for IBM. I thought oh yes, I never thought about it. I came to know it now sells by the name of Lenovo ThinkPad. I immediately started my research. Found that though Lenovo won't be giving me International warranty, and if I want it I'll have to pay extra, still their durability is unmatched. Even MacBook stand nowhere when we talk of the durability of a ThinkPad. I was confused between e430 and the tougher option T430, but I thought to go for the less expensive one and bought the e430.

Description of what I bought

ThinkPad Edge E430

Processor	Intel Core i3-2350M Processor (3M Cache, 2.30GHz)
Operating system	Windows 7 Home Premium (64 bit)
Operating system language	Windows 7 Home Premium 64 - English
Display type	14.0" W HD (1366 x 768) LED AntiGlare, Midnight Black
System graphics	Intel HD Graphics (WWAN or mSATA capable)
Total memory	4 GB DDR3 - 1600MHz (1 DIMM)
Keyboard	Keyboard - US English
Pointing device	UltraNav with FingerPrint Reader
Camera	720p HD Camera
Hard drive	500GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm
Optical device	DVD Recordable
Battery	6 cell Li-Ion Battery 48WH - 75+
Power cord	65W AC Adapter - US (3pin)
Integrated WiFi wireless LAN adapters	Intel Centrino Wireless-N 2230 & Bluetooth 4.0 (2x2 BGN & BT4)
Language pack	Publication - US English
Warranty	1 Year Express Depot

Main Review

When talking about this laptop, the first thing that solves most queries related to durability and quality is to highlight the fact that it's a ThinkPad, the original IBM series. It's been over 6 months since I have been using it(I bought it in October '12 end) and so it is perfect to review about it, and I can tell about most things.

Display

14" screen makes it an 'easy-enough' display which bundles the portability by being a bit smaller than the other Edge variant, e530. 14" sounds sometimes small, but when you'll use it you'll know it is the most sufficient one. Even more portable that the 15" ones, because 14" being lighter and smaller.

Weight

Didn't weigh it on a scale as such, LOL!. It is average when we talk about weight, I guess a little lighter than the corresponding Z series of IdeaPad. Though the difference is of few hundred gram, but you know when you have to carry more than just a laptop(as is the case most of the times), this difference even looks like a life saver! :D

Battery Backup

I have experienced battery backup ranging from 4 hours(at least) upto 7 hours. Don't think that the laptop would give a high backup from day one, it started giving a good backup after a couple of weeks passed. An important point is use of power adapter more frequently than the battery for initial weeks, which I guess all laptop users already know. Moreover I have found some good tips to extend battery life for laptops, I will see when I get time to share it :)

Durability

With an experience of merely 6 months, I'm not in position to say much about Durability, but it's a ThinkPad, "The Business Standard Laptop", ought to be durable and most reviews on the internet suggest that. Though my ThinkPad looks as good as new, but 6 months is no time to say anything about durability of an expensive thing. I have read many reviews on Internet as I told you all, and it is said that ThinkPad are more durable than MacBook!!! :D

Keyboard

It lacks the Numpad as any 14" laptop, but still the keyboard is amazing. The keys are silent and the keyboard formation is such that it feels quite comfortable while typing. The Trackpad is centre aligned rather than left aligned in most laptops. This makes the laptop surfce around the Trackpad become a good palmrest as I type! :D It has got dedicated media control buttons so no need to drag the pointer to the pause/play button, Volume Up/Down, Brightness, Wifi, Camera, Mic, or Mute! One thing it lacks is a Pause/Break button which I, as a programmer, feel quite sad about.

ThinkVantage Tools

These are a group of software that come bundled with your ThinkPad Laptop. They are great for maintenance purpose, keeping track of battery, etc. and some good utilities, such as added functionality for the Finger Print Reader. More about ThinVanatge Tools, you can find on the Internet, since talking about them would become a different post :)

Looks

Something I love! I don't like those glossy laptops, they look irritating. The matte look makes the user feel like using a classy thing, and not something that's common with everybody. So it seems like I have the classier thing as compared to most of my peers! :D To be specific, none of my friends own a Business Series, they all have that glossy consumer line ones! :P

Gamers

The only problem is that there is no room for a dedicated GPU in case you wish to upgrade at a later stage. You have to rely on the Intel HD Graphics alone. So gamers! e430 should not be anything in your wishlist. Well, when I bought it there was no option, so I am not sure if they now have a slot for GPU too :) This thing you gotta check on your own, I don't know.

Added Features

This Business line of Lenovo has certain unique features that most of the laptops don't have. These include:

1. Linux Support - ThinkPad supports Linux OS. This means that it is configured to run Linux, which heats up most laptops excessively if not administered by a professional or someone with good knowledge of Linux.
2. TrackPoint - Perhaps the oldest feature running from the IBM ThinkPad inherited by Lenovo too, makes it really easy to scroll and use pointer with keyboard at times, without the need of a mouse.
3. Finger Print Reader - haha! It is amazing. I can store my passwords and attach them to one of the 10 digits of my hands. Thus the ThinkPad can record 10 fingerprints and for each finger I can assign a quick link to any of my favourite websites where I need to log in. So I just swipe my finger and the website logs in! No need to enter password again and again and worry about it's loss! :D

Everyday Users(NOT GAMING), Verdict for you

e430 is the BEST choice and worth every penny! It is a better choice than consumer line IdeaPad, or Pavilion g6, or Inspiron(I don't know about XPS or dv6 so I'd not comment). Spend a little extra over that IdeaPad and buy yourself a Thinkpad, a complete package of Class, Quality, Durability and Amazingness!

Ports

It has got 3 USB 3.0 ports, and one eSATA(that is a USB 2.0 port that can be used even when the laptop is powered off. It is used to charge devices from Laptop battery). Moreover e430 has both HDMI and VGA ports so that you can connect to all sorts of displays easily, so be happy those who worry about their laptop connectivities during presentations! :D One Ethernet port with a Gigabit Ethernet Card which means super fast speed on Wired LAN connections!



And ya! I found these pics on the Internet as most of my posts, since I am not a good photographer. So please, if you have any problem with me posting any of them let me know, I'll remove it :)



I don't know how many of you would consider buying a business series laptop, but still hope that my review helped you all. :) All comments and suggestions welcomed! :D I thought to make the following image my blog's icon, what say? :D

"Young and Beautiful" and "Blue Jeans" by Lana Del Rey

Hey all my dear readers! :D Welcome again here at my blog on this Musical Monday! :D Heading out for the last practical exam. Then theory final exams start next Monday. Phew! A lot of work to do. Have fun, enjoy these songs :)

"Young and Beautiful" by Lana Del Rey

Lyrics

I've seen the world
Done it all, had my cake now
Diamonds, brilliant, and Bel-Air now
Hot summer nights mid July
When you and I were forever wild
The crazy days, the city lights
The way you'd play with me like a child

Will you still love me when I'm no longer young and beautiful
Will you still love me when I got nothing but my aching soul
I know you will, I know you will
I know that you will
Will you still love me when I'm no longer beautiful

I've seen the world, lit it up as my stage now
Channeling angels in, the new age now
Hot summer days, rock and roll
The way you'd play for me at your show
And all the ways I got to know
Your pretty face and electric soul

Will you still love me when I'm no longer young and beautiful
Will you still love me when I got nothing but my aching soul
I know you will, I know you will
I know that you will
Will you still love me when I'm no longer beautiful

Dear lord when I get to heaven
Please let me bring my man
When he comes tell me that you'll let me
Father tell me if you can

Oh that grace, oh that body
Oh that face makes me wanna party
He's my sun, he makes shine like diamonds

Will you still love me when I'm no longer young and beautiful
Will you still love me when I got nothing but my aching soul
I know you will, I know you will
I know that you will
Will you still love me when I'm no longer beautiful
Will you still love me when I'm no longer beautiful
Will you still love me when I'm not young and beautiful

"Blue Jeans" by Lana Del Rey

Lyrics

Blue jeans, white shirt
Walked into the room you know you made my eyes burn
It was like, James Dean, for sure
You're so fresh to death & sick as cancer
You were sorta punk rock, I grew up on hip hop
But you fit me better than my favourite sweater and I know
That love is mean, and love hurts
But I still remember that day we met in December, oh baby!

I will love you till the end of time
I would wait a million years
Promise you'll remember that you're mine
Baby can you see through the tears?
Love you more than those bitches before
Say you'll remember, oh baby, say you'll remember
I will love you till the end of time

Big dreams, gangsta
Said you had to leave to start your life over
I was like - no please, stay here, we don't need no money, we could make it all work
But he headed out on Sunday, said he'd come home Monday
I stay up waitin', anticipatin', and pacing' but he was chasing paper
Caught up in the game - that was the last I heard

I will love you till the end of time I would wait a million years
Promise you'll remember that you're mine

Baby can you see through the tears?
Love you more than those bitches before
Say you'll remember, oh baby, say you'll remember
Oh baby who I will love you till the end of time

You went out every night
And baby that's alright
I told you that no matter what you did I'd be by your side

'Cause imma ride or die
Whether you fail or fly
Well shit at least you tried
But when you walked out that door a piece of me died
Told you I wanted more, but that's not what I had in mind
Just want it like before
We were dancin' all night
Then they took you away, stole you out of my life
You just need to remember...

I will love you till the end of time
I would wait a million years
Promise you'll remember that you're mine
Baby can you see through the tears
Love you more than those bitches before
Say you'll remember, oh baby, say you'll remember
I will love you till the end of time

I hope you all like these songs. Found the name of this singer on one of my blogmates' blog. See you all soon again! :) Good Day! :D

New Topic for Sundays! :D - Super Sunday

Hey all! Welcome to my blog on this Sunday Evening! :)



Sundays on my blog are called Super Sunday, as you all know it. I am not thinking of dumping this topic, but I am thinking of adding a new one to it. Why keep Sundays just for fun? And if they are meant for fun alone, why can't fun comprise learning? So this is the logo I made for the new posts:



Looks cool, right?! :D

Okay, so I wanted to tell you all one more thing. Super Sundays will not cease to exist, they will continue. I'll keep the Super Sunday posts coming in future as they have been in the past. But just to add more informative and learning stuff here, I thought of this nw topic. I hope you all like it. All suggestions and comments would be welcomed as always. You can ask for specific topic tutorials you want me to find. If I can find them, I'll share them here with you all for sure! :)

How did this idea come to my mind?

You know exams are going on these days for me. This made me think of introducing this topic to my blog. This way I can find tutorials to learn things, and as well as pass time sharing them with you all at my blog! :D

By the way, I have already shared a few Maya Tutorials with you all earlier(here), in 2 or 3 posts ago. If you havern't seen them, be sure to check them out now. For convinience, I am posting those videos here too :) Plus, from the channel fo the same person a few more videos to chill out! :D

Some nice video tutorials for Autodesk Maya I found

More videos from same channel

All these above videos belong to this YouTube Channel. Must see, you'll find it nice :)

This is the start, I'll try to update whenever I find cool ones. More to come, have fun! Please do send me suggestions and requests. I want to make my blog better! :)

"Three Musketeers Secrets" and "Celtic Lore" - Gaming Saturday

Hey all my dear readers! How are you? Wondering if I am on a posting spree? LOL! Nothing like that. Actually from 3rd June to 15th June O ave final theory exams so I don't know if I'll get time to post next week onwards(until the exams get over) or not. SO posting in advance. I know I could have scheduled the post, but well, erm, let's celebrate this Saturday as a super Saturday! :D

"Three Musketeers Secret"

Description

The Three Musketeers Secrets: Constance, that’ll bring you to the world of France of XVII century, with its royal intrigues, treacherous cardinal, and, of course, the real romance.The previously unknown story of Constance will capture your heart for sure.

What does the Spanish ambassador hide, writing a letter to queen asking to meet her? Who is betraying France and how to outwit those whose power and treachery are equally great? How to find time for love, for dating and romance among all these puzzles’ solution? Because even covered by kisses and tenderness, you can’t escape from the danger...

If you like adventures, then you will be interested to experience exciting and dangerous situations, to plunge into the romantic world of «The Three Musketeers» in this free full version downloadable game.

Screenshots and Download Links

Click Here to download this game now! (FREE, FUN, FULL AND 100% LEGAL)

"Celtic Lore"

Description

The story takes place in the world of mystic hollow hills – legendary town of Sidhe. Characters known from the ancient stories accompany main hero in the dangerous journey, and the goal of this journey is to find and save her brother who disappeared in the hills. Will she be able to outwit insidious Queen of Sidhe, save the noble guardian of Arden forest from his curse and return home with brother?

Playing hidden object game Celtic Lore: Sidhe Hills you will get answers to these questions as well as you will be involved in a great world of Celts. Player will have a great opportunity to feel this world thanks to splendid interactive game scenes, animated characters and original Celtic music.

Celtic Legends: Sidhe Hills is a legend brought to life in your screen, it’s a mystery which should be undoubtedly unveiled.

Screenshots and Download Links

Click Here to download this game now! (FREE, FUN, FULL AND 100% LEGAL)

I hope you all like these games too. Have fun and please send me suggestions/comments/feedbacks! :) Good evening, and hey! my final exams, wish me luck friends! :D

"Shoot'n'Scroll" and "We Saw Sunset" - Gaming Saturday

Hey all my dear readers! How are you? I hope you guys like that I am trying my level best to update my blog regularly. The irony of the situation is that, when there were no exams and I was busy I didn't get time to update, and now I am busy with final exams, but I'm trying to find time to update here! LOL! Let's keep up the hopes that my exams go on fine and I keep updating here too! :D



So it's gaming Saturday! :D Thought to post a few games here. Searched the Internet and found some crazily fun games for you all to enjoy! :D Have fun! :)

"Shoot'n'Scroll 3D"

Description

The game is for all players, from newbies to hardcore action gamers. Show your skills at 10 levels and when they will be passed through, you'll meet new and more powerful enemies and get access to hidden levels. Easy navigation allows the newbies to get in the thick of things in no time. Are you ready? Wheels up!

Screenshots and Download Links

Click Here to download this game now! (FREE, FUN, FULL AND 100% LEGAL)

"We Saw Sunset"

Description

In the game We Saw Sunset you are to help the main character leave the deserted radioactive zone, don't be so slow - radiation can kill you, if you'll stay still. You are in the devastated village with lots of sheds. The gates of the village are locked, but the keys are somewhere in the village. You must find the keys to get out, so pick up food and medicine to stay alive as longer as possible. The work front is huge, so speed up!

Screenshots and Download Links

Click Here to download this game now! (FREE, FUN, FULL AND 100% LEGAL)

I hope you all like these games. Have fun. All comments and suggestions welcomed! :)