High computer CPU

[DenisH]

I keep getting a window alert from Norton anti-virus that FSX is using high CPU. They include a graph showing the usage ( at least, I think that's what it shows). They don't explain what this means. Can anyone advise?

[Groundbound1]

IMHO, you should do yourself a favor and lose Norton altogether. It's a major resource hog, and really doesn't give the protection it promises anyway. I don't really know why Norton would warn you about a program using a lot of CPU time.

[DenisH]

I just  renewed Norton for another year, dammit. What other security is there besides Macafee?  Any suggestions?Also, should I not be concerned about CPU usage? I don't know what the hell it means and Norton didn't explain it.

[Steve M]

It's common knowledge that FSX is CPU intense. (Central Proccessing Unit)  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_pr ... unit   
Should be nothing to be alarmed about.
I'm having great success with a program called Vipre which is a 3 in 1 PC protection, however its not free. Norton gets all over your system and if I remember correctly I googled for a Norton removal tool to get rid of it. There are free anti virus such as AVG and others. I would not download a free anti virus unless you have been told it can be trusted.
                                    

[Groundbound1]

I've heard good things about AVG, but personally, I use Avira. If you're leary about using a free anti-virus program, NOD32 is about the best payware anti-virus software there is. SteveM is right on about the CPU usage. Shouldn't be anything to worry about.

[Alonso]

Use Microsoft Security Essentials, it is free... not a resource hog at all, and runs VERY silent. 8-)

Been using it for about a year now...

link: http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/

[DenisH]

Thanks for the responses and Happy New Year.

[Slotback]

I use Ubuntu 10.10 for pretty much everything. Ubuntu is a distribution of Linux, which is far more secure both by design, and also because less people use it. Windows is optimized completely for gaming, no anti-virus or anything installed. Just a thought.

Anyways, try Microsoft Security Essentials. And NOD32. Or you can be cheap and run free-trials of software. When it runs out just switch to a different one. When you have tried all the anti-virus programs, go back to the one you started with. A newer version might be out, and installing that might allow you to have another free trial.

[Skittles]

Norton? That's a four letter word to me.

I've been using AVG for years and I'm very happy with it.

I think the only time you should worry about high CPU usage is when your not doing anything. That tells me something else is running that probably shouldn't be.

This may not apply, but it's on my mind, I recommend Process Explorer. It's basically and enhanced Task Manager. It provides a detailed listing of whats running and allows you to suspend a program withhout shutting it down. I found this very helpful when I was having problems with FS9 stopping everytime I moved my mouse. By suspending programs, temporarily, one by one, I was able to point my finger at Kensington's software.