i too have heard that Norton slows down the pc, but i think it's more during the pc start-up. have u tried ONSPEED? it's an internet accelerator which is compatible with most OS, can be used for both MAC n PC too. Sits quietly in your pc/laptop, and flexible enough for you to turn it on or off. speed tests have showed that it increased dial-up speed to up to 10 times. although i'm on broadband, i have it installed in my laptop too. yes, broadband is fast, but i want to be faster why not check it out, there's currently a free trial version http://forums.xisto.com/no_longer_exists/