Norton Antivirus 2009

The latest version of Symantec's award-winning virus and spyware scanner

If you're happy using the Windows firewall or have another dedicated solution you're sticking to, anti-virus and anti-malware software is a must to shore up system security. Symantec has been at the forefront of this technology for some time and Norton Antivirus 2009 (NAV2009) adds a range of new features to address criticisms of both its own software and rivals in the same market.

First up is Norton Insight, an intelligence-driven technology that aims to save time by targeting high-risk files, which not only speeds up scans but means they aren't required as often. Automatic updates have been improved with the new rapid pulse system to ensure that your definitions are never more than 15 minutes old. The software has also been generally tweaked to give a better defence against web-based attacks and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of deep-clean scans.

All these updates (and there are more, which we'll highlight below) are welcome additions to an already impressive package whose interface now shows real-time CPU usage to underline the improved efficiency of the software. The main interface displays a reassuring green tick if all is well and allows you to switch each of the components on or off, run a scan or view recent activity and quarantined files. Custom scans can be created using a wizard-based approach and can now be configured to run when the computer is idle, and a silent mode prevents the software interrupting movies or games.

The comprehensive range of security on offer includes advanced heuristic protection, rootkit and stealthed item scanning and sonar protection which detects threats based on application behaviour without the need for a specific definition from an update.

Along with email, instant messaging, browser and intrusion protection it's a very reassuring collection of tools to guard against the latest threats. For those running a network in the home, the software will also monitor your wireless connection and provide remote monitoring for other computers on the network.

Scan results offer plenty of information on exactly what's been detected and why. and the security history dialogue offers further details for those who want to know more. Along with impressive usability and a nicely streamlined interface, Symantec offers both phone and online support if you get stuck or encounter a technical issue.

In terms of performance we did notice an improvement in both scan times and the load the software puts on your CPU when it's running. Though there were still some occasions when applications started to chug during a scan, the progress should make the software more appealing to those with older machines. The anti-virus tools are predictably top-of-the-line and have been certified by independent bodies VB100, W.C.L 1 and 2, and ICSA.

The rapid pulse feature also seemed to work well — rarely straying over 10 minutes and never past the quoted 15 minutes during our tests.



Overall, it's difficult to criticise any particular area of the software. While there are a few minor holes, such as the lack of parental control, it covers all the main requirements. However, it's the price that may put off those who prioritise value for money. While it is one of the best solutions of this type, NAV2009 costs around the same as some of the cheaper all-in-one suites out there. Paul Lester.

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System requirements Vista Home Basic/Home Premium/Business/Ultimate • XP with Service Pack 2 Home/XP Pro/XP Media Center Edition • 300MHz or faster processor • 256MB of Ram • 150MB of available hard disk space

Personal Computer World February 2009

This article is published on Software Review, More Techs, and More of ITs.