Symantec Norton Anti Virus Software

Over the years anti-virus packages and companies have come and gone. Once upon a time Dr Solomons was the only AV package that any self-respecting computer owner would have on their PC. Norton was still a youngling in the anti-virus game and McAfee were still trying to break into the market. This was back in the day when I used to work in AV technical support and sales. Seems like a life time ago now.

The anti-virus battlefield changed a lot over the last 15 years or so and the end result was that Symantec with their Norton range of virus protection, cleaning and scanning products have emerged as the leader (pretty much) in home user and retail anti-virus sales. Look in any computer store in the security software section - just walls full of Norton software.

Is this just good marketing on their part or are their products any good? It's a combination of both to be blunt. All of my computers have used Symantec anti-virus, firewall and system optimization products over the last 10 - 15 years - they're my tools of choice for personal computer security. Symantec are also very good at selling their products to the public but it doesn't just end there.

Why not?

Easy-to-install
Norton AV products can be installed and configured by even the biggest computer newbie. All you need is a serial number and about 10 minutes of your time.

Easy-to-use
Once Norton is installed you won't even notice it's there. It schedules a weekly scan of all your hard drives by default to make sure you're virus free. Apart from that the only time you'll even notice it's there is if a virus warning. There are plenty of scam configuration options you can use but Norton is ready "out of the box".

Constant Innovation
Symantec don't just on their collective asses waiting for the other guys to outrun them. Every year that passes sees the Norton anti-virus range of software updated, upgraded and improved upon.

Internet Worm and Messenger Protection
Norton AV 2007/2008 now also features protection against Internet worms and also allows you to IM your buddies with total peace of mind.

E-Mail Scanning
Both your outgoing and incoming e-mails are scanned for viruses and security threats.

Live Update
This means you never need to worry whether or not you're protected against the latest and most dangerous viruses. Norton does this automatically for you.

Great Support
They have a great online knowledgebase and it's never failed me whenever there were any minor niggles or issues with any of my Symantec and Norton products.

Ok so they're a smart company and their products are easy-to-use and all that jazz but do they stop viruses? Yes, yes and yes. As I've already mentioned I used Symantec products personally and they've never left me down in terms of virus detection and scanning. The heuristics in use feel just right for me so - no computer user wants lots of incorrect virus warnings (known as false positives).

If you're looking for a new anti-virus solution or just don't know where to start then start with Norton Anti-virus - you won't be disappointed.