May 2007

Test Driving Norton 360

 
It is interesting to watch the evolution of software products over the course of time.  Having used and recommended various Symantec applications such as Norton Antivirus, Internet Security and SystemWorks, their latest offering, Norton 360, seemed intriguing to say the least.
 
Being the intrepid explorers that we are, we made the decision to try out this product and put it through its paces.
 
Product Features
 
Why name the product Norton 360?  Maybe it is because Symantec is offering an application that has the user covered from every angle.  Actually, it is a bit of a misnomer to say "application," because Norton 360 combines the functionality of several applications - namely, the aforementioned Internet Security, Anti-Virus and SystemWorks products. Symantec's objective was to produce an all-in-one security program meant to provide the user with maximum protection from the minefield that the Internet has become.
 
Key features include:
One added bonus is that the license entitles the user to install Norton 360 on up to 3 computers. This is ideal for those who want to extend this protection in a small home/office network.
 
System Requirements
Installation

Installation is a breeze.  Simply load the CD and choose the Install option when it appears.  The installation program first checks to see if there are any existing Symantec security products installed and then proceeds to uninstall them.  Depending on the target computer's capabilities, this may take up to several minutes.  Once the older applications have been removed and the system rebooted, the Norton 360 installation process begins. 

Very little user intervention is required.  One thing that is required, however, is a Symantec online account.  This is not only for product registration, but for the Online Backup feature.

Initial Impressions

Our first impressions - so far, so good.  The installation process was quick and smooth.  The initial scan performed during installation discovered a tracking cookie and dealt with it.  Following installation, Norton 360 ran a Liveupdate session to download and install the latest virus signatures and other updates.

One thing users of previous Symantec products will notice is that there isn't any detail on what is being downloaded during the Liveupdate session.  Instead, there is just a progress bar.  Minor detail, though.

A noticeable difference is the faster boot time for the test workstation.  With the previous installation of Internet Security 2006 and SystemWorks Basic, there was a considerable delay between the time Windows launched and when the system was fully available for use due to various system scans and updating that needed to be performed.

Norton 360 has eliminated this system startup delay by automatically scheduling scans, updates and maintenance activities during times when the computer is not in use.  We will continue to monitor this slick new Symantec product and provide a progress report.  Thus far, we like it!

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