The very popular antivirus Norton AntiVirus comes this year with a new version 2006. Let's see if this version is better then 2005. The installation of the product went easy but slow. Although I knew about this technical hitch from previous versions, I thought that this will be somehow adjusted. More than that, this version uses a lot of resources like the previous versions.
You must pay attention if you already have installed another antivirus software. Norton is not compatible with every antivirus. For example I could not configure it with Kaspersky.
One of the good characteristics of Norton Antivirus is the clean and highly functional interface. This year Symantec wanted to make a difference so they have introduced the Norton Protection Center, a tool that must provide you informations about your antivirus status. This tool made Norton interface to lose its usability. It seems that this tool is focused more in upselling Symantec's other products. For instance, if you ask to learn more about data recovery, you're taken directly to the Norton SystemWorks 2006 product page on Symantec's Web site.
Symantec finally gets serious about spyware and adware, computer mailware problems that are becoming as dangerous viruses were in the late 1990s. This is the major difference between 2006 and 2005 version. Unfortunately Norton still cannot detect suspected adware and spyware before downloading them. It warns you about them only after you scan your PC.
Even though Norton Antivirus is not so proactive in detecting adwares and spywares in terms of stopping traditional viruses, it provides a complete array of protection. Norton AntiVirus 2006 scans incoming and outgoing e-mail, and it monitors IM traffic through AIM, MSN, and Yahoo Messenger. In addition, Norton AntiVirus 2006 monitors the network and notifies you of any wormlike behavior it detects.
Pluses: easy to install and intuitive interface; good for beginners
Drawbacks / flaws: installation is slow; the scanning process uses a lot of resources; a firewall is not integrated
In conclusion: Norton Antivirus 2006 is good for anyone who wants protection against viruses and malicious programs for their computer but especially for the beginners. Keep in mind that this program will not protect you as well as a firewall, you should have in parallel one installed
version reviewed: 2006
Norton AntiVirus Publisher's Description
Stay protected with the world's most trusted antivirus software. Whether it's while you are surfing or chatting, emailing or file swapping, Norton AntiVirus™ 2006 wards off a host of Internet threats.
Features: -Automatically removes viruses, Trojan horses, and worms. -Checks incoming and outgoing email attachments for viruses. -Automatically scans incoming instant message attachments for threats. -Checks compressed file archives for viruses. -Keeps dangerous Internet worms out, blocking them before they infect your system. -Automatically downloads updates to protect against new threats. -Automatically scans for viruses upon downloading updates. -Uses smart technology to detect emergent worms and other new threats without waiting for updates. -Disinfects your system prior to installation, starting you off with a clean, virus-free computer.
New Features: -Now includes 12 months of protection updates and new product features as available throughout the year; annual subscriptions available for subsequent renewal. -Detects and removes dangerous spyware, keystroke loggers, and other unwanted monitoring software. -Prevents spyware programs from hijacking your home page and redirecting you to their download sites.
System Requirements:
Windows® XP Home Edition/Professional 300MHz or higher processor 256 MB of RAM 150 MB of hard disk space
Windows 2000 Pro with SP3 or higher 300MHz or higher processor 128 MB of RAM 150 MB of available hard disk space Norton AntiVirus 2005
Norton AntiVirus 2005 is available in the package for Windows Me and 98 users.
Windows Me 150MHz or higher processor 64 MB of RAM 125 MB of available hard disk space
Windows 98 133MHz or higher processor 64 MB of RAM 125 MB of available hard disk space
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