Looking for a security suite that's comprehensive AND forgiving on system resources? Symantec's Norton Internet Security 2009 may be just what you've been waiting for. That's right. I said Symantec. Naysayers (and I used to be one of them), continue reading. You may be pleasantly surprised.
| Norton Internet Security 2009 |
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INTRODUCTION
If you're like me, you're very particular about what you use as your internet security suite. There are three things I look for: thorough performance, span of control, low system resource requirements - and it is the latter that has always caused me to shy away from Symantec products . However, after testing Norton Internet Security 2009 I'm quickly changing my tune. If you were once anti-Symantec or a jaded, former user, read on.
TEST MACHINE
The following specs are for the test machine I used for this review:
- Dell XPS 410
- Intel Core2 6600 (2.40GHz)
- 2.00GB RAM
- 250GB Hard Drive
- Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition (SP3)
- Browser: Mozilla Firefox v. 3.0.3
- Email: Google Gmail
| INSTALLATION | Rating  |
The installation file was a single executable just under 60MB in size. This was downloaded from the Symantec Enhanced Testing page which is setup specifically for reviewing their products. This is a very slick process for performing reviews and the first web page of its kind that I’ve come across. The installation was extremely fast and the only input it required was during the registration process.
Registration sets you up with a Symantec account on mynortonaccount.com. This page gives you a Product Details screen that shows your product serial number, license key, registration date, expiration date, and how many PCs your license will protect. It’s a very no-nonsense, straightforward approach to managing an antivirus account.
| USER INTERFACE | Rating |
Norton Internet Security 2009 has a very user-friendly, streamlined appearance. Menu items on the main screen contain subcategories specific to the function of that menu item. These subcategory settings can be turned On or Off on this main screen. They are as follows:
COMPUTER
- AntiVirus
- AntiSpyware
- Advanced Protection
INTERNET
- Smart Firewall
- Intrusion Prevention
- Email / Message Scanning
IDENTITY
- Identity Safe
- Antiphishing
The main screen also contains a CPU Usage monitor that measures the System and Norton resources in real-time. Along with this monitor is a tool called Norton Insight. According to Symantec, this tool “increases computer performance by identifying trusted files that do not require scanning.” This greatly improves the scanning efficiency. Norton Insight also gives you the ability to check specific files for “trustworthiness.”
| PRODUCT FEATURES | Rating |
GENERAL FEATURES
The main screen features a number of useful tools. The first is the Scan Now feature which gives you three scanning options:
- Run Quick Scan
- Run Full Scan
- Run Custom Scan
A very typical grouping as far as scan tools come but more straightforward than others I have come across. The less input required by me, the better and these scan features are all business.
The Network Security Map provides you with an overview of your wired or wireless network security status. It assists you with identifying security holes or weaknesses so these can be addressed in a timely manner, taking the guess-work out of the process for less experienced users (an extremely important factor in SOHO environments where IT skills may be in short suppy)
WEB BROWSER FEATURES
Another innovative feature is the Norton Identity Safe. This is essentially a method for creating a catalogue of usernames and passwords that are stored in an encrypted state. These can then be converted into the form of "electronic cards" that can be used to fill out secure forms or access websites. This is Symantec's method for detecting (and avoiding) phishing schemes and other identity theft threats on the internet. The installation process adds this toolbar to your internet browser for quick access.
SILENT MODE
The Silent Mode feature is great for gaming or watching videos and streaming media. According to Symantec, this feature "prevents your full screen experience [from being] interrupted by any non-critical security alerts." You have the option of suspending these pop-ups for 1, 2, 4, or 6 hours.