Symantec – Norton Antivirus – Free Norton Antivirus (NOT!)
Symantec Norton Antivirus, between them and Trend Micro, the industry is up for grabs. I’m going to explore why Norton is better and we’ll touch quickly on the user interface, how it performs and its unique features. Norton antivirus is not freeware. It needs to be purchased and it does come with a 30 day free trial. Prices start at $39.99 and work up to $79.99, for the $39.99 package, you get virus protection, spyware protection, and malicious software (malware) protection, if you feel like spending the $79.99, you also get comprehensive and automated protection of all of your actions on the computer, including protecting your identity, in addition to all that, you (for $79.99) have access to 2Gigabytes of online storage space where you may back your files up to. Symantec also offers coverage for Macintosh (Apple) computers, though, in my opinion it’s not necessary considering Apple’s run their OSX which is based on FreeBSD and is therefore not related in any way to Microsoft! Regardless, that program is $49.95 for the basic antivirus and $79.95 for the advanced version.
Using Symantec’s Norton Antivirus is quite easy, the interface is well thought out. Across the top of the window, you have the buttons “Live Update” and “Options”, the Live Update feature is nice, it hasn’t changed much since we installed it for the first time back in the 90s (yes, this software has some history), the live update feature updates the program, virus, malware, and spyware signatures, and it checks other things too (like if your Norton related files are in order). Leaving that, in the left pane in the “default” view, you have selections for status, scan for viruses, and reports. The “Status” function provides you a level view of how the program interprets the current state of your system’s security. It reports whether “Auto-Protect” is on, when you’ve completed your last full system scan (it likes you to run one every 30 days or so), and whether your subscriptions (virus, spyware, malware signatures) are up to date or if they need to be updated. The “Scan for viruses” page offers a full and a selection scan, the full scan will scan your whole computer with no other user action required; the selection scan will scan only folders you select. Finally, the “Reports” window shows you recent virus, spyware, and malware activity or infections on your computer. You have the ability to view and print these reports for later viewing. Additionally, the program provides links to the company’s comprehensive online knowledge base where you can read up on either your own infections or the latest worm to sweep across the internet.
In closing, Norton Antivirus by Symantec is very comprehensive and easy to use; it hasn’t changed much over the years as Symantec stick to what they know: producing results. The program’s update feature is nice as it updates everything in one fell swoop. Norton Antivirus is available for trial, then purchase, is one of the few you can buy in a store and because of its history of success, you should try it!
Have you had good experiences or bad experiences with Symantec Norton Antivirus? Have you found a Free Norton Antivirus? Post your thoughts in the comments!
