Norton Internet Security 2004 forms part of Symantecs new all-in-one internet security package (hence the name). It boasts integreated Antivirus, Firewall, Spam, Privacy and Parental Control protection.
In plain english, this simply means that any nasty's that you might happen to catch ... Read review
Advantages: Scrapes to do what it claims. Disadvantages: Major problems with compatibility and stability.
Norton Internet Security 2004 forms part of Symantecs new all-in-one internet security package (hence the name). It boasts integreated Antivirus, Firewall, Spam, Privacy and Parental Control protection.
In plain english, this simply means that any nasty's that you might happen to catch unwittingly from the Internet (as 99% of modern internet users do according to recent studies) this program can deal with them all.
... ...I enabled the Firewall on Norton Antivirus and it operated seemingly well (difficult to test because I couldn't stage a hacker trying to break into my PC!). It did prevent other computers on my home network from connecting to my PC and accessing shared files - try as I might I couldn't allow them in through exceptions. I was therefore forced to turn my hardware firewall back on and disable the firewall in Norton Internet Security.
Norton Internet Security 2004 forms part of Symantecs new all-in-one internet security package (hence the name). It boasts integreated Antivirus, Firewall, Spam, Privacy and Parental Control protection.
In plain english, this simply means that any nasty's that you might happen to catch unwittingly from the Internet (as 99% of modern internet users do according to recent studies) this program can deal with them all.
Features: No doubt that Symantec has packed this 2004 release with features, this jack of all trades feature is the new standard for Antivirus software, and only Commercial setups can now receive them as standalone proection.
Antivirus: Viruses can be a real pain, I should know I have had many a fatal system crash because of them. Antivirus protection is now essential, Internet Security finds and removes all flavours of virus. Disappointingly the program failed to spot a virus and a worm (MyDoom. A), until the systems had entered the computer, and were only picked up in a scan (e-mail for the worm and regular for the virus).
Firewall: For the process of testing the Firewall facilities I needed to turn off the hardware firewall built into my router. I enabled the Firewall on Norton Antivirus and it operated seemingly well (difficult to test because I couldn't stage a hacker trying to break into my PC!). It did prevent other computers on my home network from connecting to my PC and accessing shared files - try as I might I couldn't allow them in through exceptions. I was therefore forced to turn my hardware firewall back on and disable the firewall in Norton Internet Security.
Antispam: Found the Antispam feature awful, loads of it was (as it had done) continually flowed into my inbox, wasting my valuable time. It seems that Internet Security is unable to detect some of the cleverer methods of disguising the content of a spam e-mail. Such as "V1agr-a" instead of "Viagra" in the subject line - the spammers obviously easily fooled symantec!
Privacy: The need for "privacy" protection is a relatively new phenomena. It is very easy (even with 56K dial-up) to unwittingly download spyware and adware. Essentially Spyware, as the name suggests, Spys on your surfing habits and sometimes e-mail and passwords. It then relays this information back to whoever happens to have created it. From there they can do allsorts with the information, but generally they just see what websites you are visiting and products you are buying. They can then target advertising at you (using the e-mail address that they have stolen). Adware is a little less covert, but more annoying. Programs generally hijack programs such as Internet Explorer and make them display pop-up adverts or "Search Bars" which usually contain porn and viagra sales. Internet Security was generally good at picking up these little bugs, but their updates seems to be a little slow and so it didn't remove 100% of them (which is what you want right?!).
If your suffering from these little annoyances visit www.download.com, and search for the programs "Spybot - Search & Destroy" (for spyware removal) and "Adaware" (for adware). Both are free for personal usage and excellent.
Usability and Stability: The immediate impression you get from Internet Security is that it is immediately intrusive. It pops itself up constantly, asking for user input and instructions! Blah, just get on with and shut up - thats what I want! It is also a hog for system resources and on a low-range system it is impossible to run. On a mid-range system there will be a significant fall in performance (RAM usage), and on a top-end system it will work correctly - but takes excessive amounts of system resources. I suffered from a fall in performance, but other computers in the house became very unstable (low to mid-range system) and the program had to removed immediately.
Symantec: I tried to address these issues to Symantec, took a good while to get a response - then I was confronted with (your only using the trial) sort of attitude - to valid comments. Now what would make me want to fork out £44.49 at Amazon.co.uk for that level of service?
More importantly, the money you spend on the program is only valid for a year. After a 1 year "Free Subscription" you are forced to pay-up again, or your ability to update (and receive Virus updates to combat new Viruses) is revoked.
Overall: As you may have gathered from this review - I have been less than impressed with Symantec and their new product. The hey-day was Norton Antivirus in 2000/2001, since them following the rest and adopting complete internet security they have seriously failed to hit the mark.
I found a FANTASTIC product from Trend Micro, which generally makes solutions for Enterprises. It is called Trend Micro Internet Security 2004 and more information can be sought from www.trendmicro.com.
Don't forget to select "Personal" from the tabs on the top of the page in order to get to the information and free trial. As soon as Ciao.co.uk put up my request for it was a product I will review it straight away - I recommend it 120%. Chris
pepetheprawn 12.02.2004 (12.02.2004)
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Review of Norton Internet Security 2004 Professional Complete package
Advantages: New Features - No other Rival has Disadvantages: Customer Support - Poor
...by a nasty virus.
Norton has always been the leading developer in virus software, being the first to come up with ideas such as virus scans over email or instant messaging etc. It’s Norton’s reputation why many customers choose to buy its software over other brand names.
Norton only takes up around 100 to 200mb depending on your operating system which in comparison is very small to other software you may install such as the average computer game ... ...perfect security, never the less, Norton provides the option to customise which files to install and which options to enable for those more confident and advanced users.
The most impressive feature for me in this program that separates it from the competition, is its real time virus scanner, which is activated when your in the middle of downloading a file contaminated with a virus, deletes it, and lets you carry on downloading, making the file harmless ...
mcarocks2004 02.04.2004
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Norton Internet Security 2004 Professional Complete package
Advantages: Offers new levels of protection never before seen in a virus scanner Disadvantages: Prevents the user from actually using the computer
...function unless I specifically told Norton Internet Protection to let my messages through. However the problems did not end there, as when I went to access computers over my Local Area Network it came as quite a surprise when I was told there was no network. After spending hours trying to configure the program I was told by a friend how to let all LAN communications through, a partial success but not very secure. The firewall and intrusion detection ... ...use.
Ad blocking was a great success and now I receive very few pop-ups and other intrusive ads. Not only does this provide me with the privacy I require but also I can surf the internet a lot quicker on my slow dial-up modem. The live update which does require a subscription is well worth the cost due to the level of protection you are receiving, even the latest viruses will be kept out of your computer. The live update will automatically tell ...
Gaz_23 14.07.2004
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Norton Internet Security 2004 Professional Complete package
Advantages: Keeps your computer safe from viruses... Disadvantages: ...if you still have an operating computer after installation!
...downloaded the 15-day trialware of Norton Internet Security 2004 Pro (yes, I had the fine idea of downloading the huge installation file of about 33 MB - took me over 45 mins).
In the middle of the installation process windows crashed - blame Bill about that, but Symantec should had taken that under consideration - so I had to un-install and re-install the Internet Security program with minimum setup. So, it's obvious that many older PCs - like ... ...made my system crash (Unbelievble! Norton never makes your system crash!) so, I had to finish uninstalling Norton Internet Security manually - a painful process that I hope you will never have to go through!
Bottom line: If you have a super powerful PC, you can trust you security to Norton (Symantec). If not, try anything else. It will be less nerve braking than the process of installing and running Norton Internet Security. ...
bcnlondon 26.09.2004
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Norton Internet Security 2004 Professional Complete package
Advantages: Locks everyone out Disadvantages: including you!!!!
...works and what doesn’t. Norton security completely locked down my machine to the point of being virtually unusable, despite repeated calls to the helpdesk I was advised to restore my machine completely i.e. remove all data and every programme and start again.
We did this and only had the Operating system and Norton installed still no joy, so back to the help desk again, now they tell me its my ISP who is not configured properly for Norton to work……Off ... ...communicating with modem…… back to Norton …….they suggest restore of PC again…… this we do but don’t install Norton we then test broadband its working fine… Speak to BT help desk they don’t know what Norton are talking about suggest that I get Norton to email me with the special settings and they will investigate…. Reinstall Norton again as soon as system restarts no internet connection…….Speak to Norton who suggest that my PC obviously has an undetermined ...
LAZYBOY 20.05.2004
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Norton Internet Security 2004 Professional Complete package
Advantages: Don't know any! Disadvantages: Have to pay for it
I have used Norton "Internet Security" 2004 mainly because it came with a new PC.
In the past, around 10 years ago I used to use Norton disk utilities. I had not really hear of Symantec at that time. I found Norton disk utilities helpful. Since Norton & Symantec have joined to become one company I thought some of the original expertise would still be present. In my experience, it hasn't.
Viruses, worms, trojans etc were never really harmful to ... ...ask. Lets look at what norton does.
1. Scans the hard drive either manually or scheduled. 2. Firewall included.
3. Live update (keep up-to-date) with new virus definitions.
Whats bad about Norton? For starters in the UK its £40.00 plus. You only get 1 years supply of updates then you have to pay for more.
Whats good about AVG?
1. Privately (non commercial) its free. just provide a valid email address for a product key.
2. Free updates.
Whats ...
sjonley 27.07.2004
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Norton Internet Security 2004 Professional Complete package
Product Information for "Norton Internet Security 2004 Professional Complete package" »
System requirements
OS Required
Microsoft Windows 98, Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional , Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition, Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition, Microsoft Windows XP Professional
Min Processor Type
300 MHz
Min RAM Size
128 MB
Min Hard Drive Space
200 MB
Peripheral / Interface Devices
CD-ROM
System Requirements Details
Microsoft Windows 98 - RAM 64 MB - HD 200 MB
Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional - RAM 96 MB - HD 200 MB
Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition - RAM 96 MB - HD 200 MB
Microsoft Windows XP Professional - RAM 128 MB - HD 200 MB
Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition - RAM 128 MB - HD 200 MB
Manufacturer's product description
Symantec's Norton Internet Security 2004 Professional protects you and your business from online threats. It eliminates viruses automatically, blocks hackers, safeguards your personal information, fights spam, increases online productivity, recovers lost or damaged files, and thoroughly deletes confidential data you no longer need.
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