The first part of this article is only useful to you if you happen to be running the simplified Chinese version of Windows XP SP2 and Norton’s AntiVirus. If not, skip to the end.

If this is the case, you already know that in May Symantec made a bit of a faux pas with its virus definition update. In it, it falsely identified two critical XP files as Trojan Horses. If you happened to quarantine these files, you will have quickly realized that your computer no longer functioned.

Tell Them What They’ve Won

Symantec

In order to make amends, Norton is offering a 12 month subscription extension to affected customers. Along with this, normal consumers will also receive a copy of Norton’s Save & Restore 2.0 Backup software; Enterprise users, on the other hand, will receive Symantec’s Ghost Solution Suite. Of course, this won’t restore your lost data, but it may go a ways in reducing the number of liability lawsuits filed against the company.

If you happen to be affected, or know someone that has been affected you have until July 8th to register with Symantec.

Now, for everyone else, let me introduce you to some free AntiVirus alternatives.

Web 2.0 Roundup

AVG. I have tested AVG pretty extensively and I must say it’s my favorite of the bunch. The free version has most of the features that you would expect from a commercial antivirus solution without much of the bloat. I highly recommend this one.

Avast! The home version is freeware for non-commercial users. I’ve heard good things about this program. In fact, almost everything that I have ever heard about Avast! has been good. This one comes in second place, just below AVG.

PC Tools Antivirus. This one comes with an integrated firewall, if you are into that sort of thing.

BitDefender. BitDefender is a free antivirus program for Linux.

Though, I have to say that Chris Pirillo had some really good tips on how to keep yourself from getting virus’ without resorting to software. Here are a few of my favorites.

  • Avoid unnecessary browser toolbars, plugins, or enhancements – and if you’re not sure if a toolbar is TRULY necessary, don’t install it
  • Read through every bit of a software installer process to ensure you’re not adding something that you don’t need and/or want – and if you’re not a geek, don’t install ANYTHING without first asking permission
  • Surf through OpenDNS servers for automatic Web site typo correction as well as an extra layer of phishing filters
  • Tell all the males in your house to quit surfing for porn