Norton antivirus 360 Version 2.0

Norton 360 Version 2.0 is the updated incarnation of Symantec's comprehensive, one-touch security software released last year. It covers an array of common security threats (with the exception of bots) and adds new components for system tune-up, file backup, and disk defragmentation. If you prefer the set-it-and-forget-it approach to PC protection, Norton 360 is a fine choice.

The initial antivirus installation was straightforward and pain-free. It recognized a previous anitvirus installation of Norton Internet Security and dutifully uninstalled it before proceeding. You have the option of running a quick scan before the antivirus installation begins. Most of the capabilities are included in this initial installation, though parental control, antispam, and features that block your confidential information blocking from hackers are available only through a free add-on pack you download and install separately.

Following the antivirus installation, we ran a comprehensive scan, which included a virus and spyware scan, a browser settings check, a network address check, deletion of temporary browser and Windows files, and disk defragmentation. That's when we encountered a snag: Norton 360 refused to defragment our hard drive because it didn't have at least 15 percent free space available. Otherwise, the comprehensive scan went off without a hitch.

As is common with antivirus and security applications, you can set up a schedule to automatically perform full background scans. With this latest version, Norton 360 is smart enough to see if a laptop computer is on battery power and postpone any scheduled background tasks that might sap your battery. It also monitors your Internet connection and throttles back the bandwidth, if necessary, when you're performing an online backup. Symantec provides 2GB of online storage in conjunction with the new backup feature, which defaults to backing up your photos, music, contacts, e-mail, browser bookmarks, and financial documents (most users of this feature will clearly need to subscribe to more storage space). Other backup destinations include hard drives, Blu-ray discs, HD DVDs, and iPods.

While novice users will likely stick with the default settings, Symantec has added two screens to this version to give more-adventurous users deeper access into the application: Tasks and Settings. Tasks lets you manually run scans and even choose to a limited degree what to scan for. You can view statistics on how many viruses have been blocked or how many suspicious network addresses were fixed. You can also manually back up and restore your files from this screen. The Settings screen is where you configure Norton 360. You might decide to turn off Eavesdropping Protection, which looks for suspicious programs that could attempt to steal your personal information. Or you might turn on the Backup Status indicators, which alter your document icons to show which files are backed up, which are waiting to be backed up, and which are excluded from being backed up.

Other new features include a two-way firewall that attempts to detect malware and spyware based on its behavior. Norton Identity Safe, another addition, helps protect your passwords against key-logging programs. Also, phishing protection now works with Firefox, as well as with Internet Explorer.

Why choose Norton 360 Version 2.0 over Norton Internet Security 2008? While Norton Internet Security is less expensive (the three-user pack is $69.99 versus $79.99 for Norton 360) and offers more customization options, it lacks Norton 360's tune-up, defragmentation, and backup capabilities. Norton 360 is also less intrusive than Norton Internet Security; by default, Norton 360 is more likely to fix a problem without requiring your approval. For that reason, it's a better pick for computer novices than other security threat applications. If you prefer not to know what almost ate your yearly report, but you want to feel reasonably sure you'll be protected, Norton 360 Version 2 is a good choice.

Go for antispyware support services common among computer enthusiasts if you face any kind of computer related problem.

Source :computershopper.com/reviews/norton-360-version-20-review