Everyone is all excited, having seen the effects of a neat Windows 7 installation; and the only thing needed now is protection that keeps some pointy-headed virus from getting in and destroying everything. Norton anti virus has to be well enough known around the world by now to be practically synonymous with the very concept of antivirus software: a generic name for all anti virus software if you will. The Norton brand name has been losing its shine for a few years now on accusations that it slows down the system it runs on, until it becomes unusable. Well, Norton’s maker Symantec has been working hard to recapture some of the magic to be recognized once more that it is the best anti virus program.
Norton’s anti virus has a user friendly interface, little different from last year’s version. Even so, Norton has managed to squeeze in quite a few improvements. Two new additions, Norton Download Insight and Norton File Insight issue threats whenever you happen to download anything or open a previously unfamiliar file. Norton System Insight helps you make the best use of your system resources, and Norton Scheduler makes sure that Norton does nothing that can get in the way of any work you do on your computer.
Here’s a never-seen-before feature, quite befitting the title of best anti virus program: an intelligent scheduling system that makes sure that on a laptop, no routine scanning or other maintenance features are started until the laptop is plugged in to save on battery power. As for visual appeal, Kaspersky users moving to Norton should feel a little déjà vu; Norton now makes everything out to be a chart or graph like Kaspersky.
Norton has some of the best performance too, done with an eye to usability. Scanning the computer is unusually fast: the quick scan feature for example can do the average-sized hard disk in under an hour. Norton Insight Network and SONAR 2 are award winning features you’ll find in Norton this year. These features connect to the Internet to verify every file that you use.
Norton could win the best anti virus program award of the year for being sparing in its use of memory alone. This years version uses under 12 MB. Like Kaspersky, Norton doesn’t slow down boot time. Norton has won certifications by a number of major antivirus industry analysts too ICSA labs, Virus Bulletin, West Coast labs and others.
The package is so well rounded out that it could only be ruined by a poor help and support desk. Fortunately, Norton understands this, and offers many innovative support features on this release. Norton has a one-click-support button. Responses from Norton come quickly to queries sent over e-mail and the website offers plenty of resources.
Norton really needed this revamp; it was being overtaken by all the other major antivirus vendors, and it was time for them to make their move. Norton’s multilayered approach to computer security is a complete winner and makes it the best anti virus program this year.