Norton AntiVirus 2004 Complete package > Reviews (9)

****************
NORTON ANTIVIRUS 2004
****************
SYMANTEC
****************

Norton Antivirus 2004 is the lastest Antivirus program released by the famous security company Symantec.

The question we must ask ourselves : Is this version something new so that we need to upgrade from 2003 or previous versions?

Yes

****************
I'm a casual PC user and I realized before long that sooner or later I would be catching virii if I continued to download software from shady looking sites. Free Antivirus programs were no good, updates were seldom and I rely on the Free Lunch Principle (There is no such thing as a free lunch). Thus a commercial program must be bought, and due to symantec being my favourite company in the security buisness, I set off to get one.

While trailing around the various computing shops, I found the rare gem gleaming amongst other programs on the shelves. The Yellow packaging with the large red logo and the symantec symbol in the corner. The front cover was already boasting at what the program could do, and the back side contained some valuable information about the product. The requirements were listed on the top red "flap".

I unpacked the box to find a packaged dvd looking similar to the box, a manual and a small sheet labeled "Important". This sheet explains about how Norton Antivirus-2004 must be activated, using a similar way like Windows Xp and Windows Office XP edition.

The Manual was English and explained the various steps of how to install and configure Norton Antivirus and what the program is capable of. Funny enough although "User's Guide" which is written on the front is translated in various languages, the manual itself is only english.

After going through the simple guided installation and activating the program, u can already access the simple to navigate Control Center. The most important tasks are listed with a red cross to allow you to see what jobs still need doing. If any vital tasks are still left open (Liveupdate or Full System Scan), Norton antivirus will show this in the System Status.

Navigating is easy, the Left toolbar shows the 3 major parts "Status, Scan for Viruses and Reports". Status is the main screen, showing your subscription details and features, Scan for Viruses is pretty self-forward and features various tasks to scan the computer. The "Reports" allow you to visit the virus encylopedia (requires internet), Quarantined Items and an Activity Log.

The Options button next to the Liveupdate in the left corner of the program, features the major options of the program, allowing you to tweak it to especially suit your needs.

****************
It works effectivly, being able to scan compressed files and is always running in the background. When it finds malicious code, it removes it automatically. It detects many virii in instant messengers, email and various other Internet downloads.

What does this version offer to us, via the previous versions? It's ability to scan for Spyware, Malware, Adware and Scumware. These were classified as legimate programs but due to their malicious nature; have now been added to Nortons wide databank.

Once you buy the Program, you receive a 1 year free subscription to access liveupdate. You need to continue to pay every year if you wish to receive round-the-year protection.

****************
REQUIREMENTS

WINDOWS XP HOME EDITION/PROFESSIONAL:
300MHz or higher processor
128 MB of RAM
85 MB of available hard disk space

WINDOWS 2000 PROFESSIONAL
133MHz or higher processor
64 MB of RAM
85 MB of available hard disk space

WINDOWS ME
150Mhz or higher processor
32 MB of RAM
125 MB of available hard disk space

I would not suggest running the program under Win98 although this is possible

****************
RANT

Opening word documents can become a plague, due to the time needed to automatically scan it. The Program also hogs many system resources.

****************
Typical Price would be 29-39 Pound Sterling
****************

I would truely recommend this product to people who are interested in protecting their computer from the many malicious files that exist today.

- Luis