Thanks for all the reads, rates etc. over the years - take care all. :o) x
Thanks for all the reads, rates etc. over the years - take care all. :o) x
Member since:06.03.2005
Reviews:25
Members who trust:106
I bought this product after previously using Symantec's security products (anti virus, firewall, anti spam etc.) and because I've always felt safe and secure and have never had any problems with them before, however......
I noticed after installing it, and also after recommending it to approx. 6 friends and installing it on their machines, that it noticeably reduced the speed performance of our PCs, compared with before we installed it. Mainly on booting up the system.
The programme itself has to load up all of the components it uses to protect your system before you can start using your PC - fair enough obviously! But in doing this, bootup time is significantly extended. I understand that in having a package, using many different programmes (anti virus, anti spam, privacy, firewall etc.) running in the background, you're bound to notice a reduction in processing speed, but I was quite disappointed with this version in that respect.
Also when opening the programme itself, it takes a while. All of the PC's I've installed this on are Dell 8300Pentium 4's. Most have more than 512Mb RAM, mine has
1Gb RAM - most are 2.8 - 3Ghz processors, but still we think it has slowed our systems down noticeably.
Apart from that, the product itself it second to none. It has 'worm protection' that stops certain damaging internet worms at the point of entry, rather than letting them get into your system, then detecting them when it's too late!
It removes viruses (from both email attachments, your PC, and also scans any any external media - CD/floppy disks etc. for threats) It also removes worms and trojan horse programmes. The programme also detects 'spyware' (programmes that track where you go and basically spy on you, while you're surfing the net).
The firewall will 'hide' your PC from the outside world, making it invisible to hackers etc. 'Intrusion protection' automatically blocks suspicious incoming traffic. It also has an inbuilt 'network detector' so it changes your setup when you transfer from stand alone operation, on to a network - useful for laptop users that come into the office and connect to their company's network.
The anti spam programme included it also goodand very effective, blocking most 'illicit' and 'fraudulent' spam messages, as well as general advertising spam, putting them into a spam folder.
The anti privacy programme included is also worth having - you enter in your personal details (name, address, email address etc.) and the system notifies you when you're entering any of this personal information on websites etc. and checks with you if it is ok to do so. You can also tell the system which sites you would allow information to be sent to, and others you would not - handy for when the kids are surfing and inadvertantly give out information to all and sundry. Talking of which, the programme also has 'Parental Control' blocking access to websites and newsgroups that you consider unsuitable for your kids.
It is easy to set up and install, maybe 'reasonably easy' to the average home user, and the manual is good and informative, and Symantec's website is always very good for support queries and finding our virus information. If you register your email address on their site they will also notify you of latest threats.
Programme/anti virus definition updates can be set to automatically download and install without bothering you, or if you prefer, it will notify you when updates are ready to download and you can choose when to download them. It is recommended that you download them as soon as possible, in order to keep everything up to date, to fend off the very latest threats. Their 'Live Update' service is fast and reliable.
The programme itself it easy to use and easy to navigate. It is clearly laid out and straightforward. The help section is particularly good, should you find you have a problem. Their support line is also good - on a few occasions I've had to contact them (for the product we use at work - not this one!) and they've been great at solving them very quickly, and usually first time - that's always a good thing as far as support is concerned!
I also think the price of this product is good, compared with some others, you get a lot for your money. If you bought the products individually (anti virus, anti spam, firewall programmes all available separately) you make a big saving.
You get a year's worth of updates free with the initial purchase, and usually have to pay around £21 to continue the update subscription for another year. The programme notifies you when you have a month to run on your subscription, so you have plenty of time to plan and budget for your upcoming subscription fee. Once it expires, it's easy to renew - you follow the link shown in the programme and it takes you to the appropriate area of Symantec's website, where you can enter in credit card details and renew within minutes.
One thing I would say, is that a broadband connection is highly recommended, as sometimes you get programme updates to download that are large in size and can take a while. Also to on a standard dial-up account, depending on your internet provider, the connection can 'time-out' also halfway through the download and disconnect you, which is annoying, but the programme will remember how much of the update you downloaded before the disconnect, and next time you reconnect, will continue to download it with no problems.
Overall, I've always been impressed with the standard of Symantec's products and would recommended it to anyone, but I personally wouldn't recommend trying to install it on a machine any lower than a Pentium 2, 800 Mhz, 256Mb RAM. I have tried, but it was so slow you couldn't do anything else!
Nice thorough review! I agree generally, it is not perfect, but norton packages are generally sound in there qualities and function. Keep up the good work!
TrueBrit69 02.06.2005 10:28
I have this on my computer and totally agree it does slow it down. Especially opening excel documents, they seem to take about 20 seconds to scan! Good review
Symantec's Norton Internet Security 2005 provides essential protection from viruses, ... more
hackers, and privacy threats. Norton AntiVirus is the world's most trusted antivirus solution. Norton Personal Firewall keeps personal data in and hackers out. And Nor...
Postage & Packaging: £3.16 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Advantages: All-in-one package, Good graphics,Effective spam killer.Updates sent as per instructions Disadvantages: Slows down my system too much, possible conflict with Windows XP Sevice Pack 2, let in 4 Trojans, a gap exists between turning on the PC and it activating, problematic install.
Advantages: All-in-one package, Good graphics,Effective spam killer.Updates sent as per instructions Disadvantages: Slows down my system too much, possible conflict with Windows XP Sevice Pack 2, let in 4 Trojans, a gap exists between turning on the PC and it activating, problematic install.
Mar 18th, 2005
exceptional by (8%):
very helpful by (93%):
