All Norton’s Fault
I did a little independent research into Time Capsule and Time Machine at the Apple website. In the very last paragraph of an article on slow backups, I read the following line: “Using virus scanning software can make Time Machine backups very slow. If you use Norton Antivirus 10 AutoProtect or a similar product, try turning it off during backups.”
I use Norton Antivirus and Autoprotect. I turned them both off. Do you think my backup speed suddenly, miraculously improved?
My only remaining question is, do I have to keep Autoprotect off all the time, since Time Machine will be making backups hourly and daily? I am assuming “yes.”
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I’m guessing that the answer to your question is yes?
I removed Norton a year or two ago from all my computers. I’ve had it with their products.
Comment by Step — Tuesday, 18 March 2008 @ 12:58 pm
I just turned Auto-protect off; otherwise Norton is working as before. I run a scheduled virus scan at three in the morning, or when I first wake the computer from sleep in the morning, whichever comes first. It also auto-updates Virus definitions at the same time as it scans.
These features do not seem to cause a problem. The problem is with Auto-protect. It looks like Norton Auto-protect is analyzing every data packet that leaves the computer, thus slowing data transfer to the Time Capsule to unacceptable levels.
I paid attention to how the hourly backups worked in Time Machine, and I have to say I am pleased with the application and with Time Capsule. The hourly backups are not noticeable while working on the computer. I downloaded some photos from my camera and was pleased to see that they were backed up within the hour. Everything seems to be working as intended now.
On the subject of Norton, I downloaded and subscribed to it in a fit of panic during the “great Macintosh virus scare” of late last year, when all the pundits were declaring Mac users unprepared for an onslaught of viruses and malware. I probably would not use Norton today…but I already paid for a yearly subscription.
Comment by greypilgrim — Tuesday, 18 March 2008 @ 1:11 pm
http://macdailynews.com/index.php/weblog/comments/16714/
Talks about viruses on Mac. If you care. It’s a mildly amusing read, on both sides.
Comment by Step — Tuesday, 18 March 2008 @ 1:14 pm
Ah, yes. Btw, I didn’t intend to sound like I was bashing you for using Norton on an AV solution on the Mac in general. I was just trying to be brief in my comments.
Comment by Step — Tuesday, 18 March 2008 @ 1:16 pm
No worries. I’m embarrassed to admit that I use Norton. I feel like in succumbing to the panic over viruses that I fell for a trap planted by Windows-centric columnist who want to feel like Macs are as insecure as Windows PCs.
That story you linked is a wonderful take-down of a snotty Windows columnist, btw.
Comment by greypilgrim — Tuesday, 18 March 2008 @ 1:23 pm