Norton 360

All-In-One-Security

Manufacturer: Symantec

Version: 3.0

 Our Editor's Review

What does Norton 360 do?
A better question might be what doesn’t Norton 360 do? But seriously, Norton 360 is truly a comprehensive, all-in-one PC suite. The software “revolves” around four basic segments: Security, Identity Protection, Backup, and PC Tuneup. Each quadrant of the software includes a variety of tools and features, and combine to compose a complete PC solution.

Norton 360 is the equivalent of having several software packages in one. Norton 360 includes antivirus and antispyware, antispam, antiphising, rootkit and botnet protection, network monitoring, identity protection, a two-way firewall, backup and restore functions, password manager, parental controls, web safety features, and PC optimization. Put simply, Norton 360 helps protect, optimize, and maintain your PC from every angle.

Norton 360 Standout Features:

• Norton Insight significantly reduces scan load
• Silent Mode accommodates uninterrupted movies or video games
• Safe Web streamlines internet security
• SONAR (Symantec Online Network for Advanced Response) proactively detects and defends from unknown threats

Why use Norton 360?
The main reason people use Norton 360 is to have comprehensive PC protection in a single suite without having to purchase all the components separately. The software was specifically designed to meet the needs of average users, providing effective protection without much user intervention. But the software has come to accommodate Symantec’s more advanced users, providing sophisticated tools and a variety of custom options and settings. Norton 360 works effectively as a set-and-forget security solution, but also has impressive features under the hood.

Norton 360 offers so much more than simply antivirus or antispyware scanning. The suite truly encompasses PC security, backup, and optimization. The valuable package comes at a reasonable price, and doesn’t hog your system resources. In fact, Norton 360 was specifically designed to be more effective and robust while maintaining speed, a light footprint, flexibility, and easy to use features.

What we like about Norton 360
In our review of Norton 360, we were impressed with the effective use of resources and speed of the program. Scans, backups (and restorations for that matter), and other processes were remarkably quick. The software suite sets out to cover a lot of ground, and delivers on every aspect, providing useful tools and effective features in a convenient and understandable interface.

We like the easy to use backup and restore process. We found the security features to be more than adequate, and also particularly enjoyed the new Norton Insight, which makes it possible to only scan files that might actually be at risk and significantly save time. Symantec has certainly done a lot to improve the most recent version of Norton 360, and it shows. We liked the advanced tools and granularity, and also appreciated the innovations, including a silent mode for gamers, proactive community approach, and versatile Safe Web.

Our experience with Norton 360
We had no problems installing and setting up Norton 360. The process is indeed direct and quick. The interface is effectively organized, intuitive to use, and straightforward. The navigation took a bit of getting used to, as each task opens an additional window (rather than utilizing tabs or browser-like history). Fortunately, the interface is consistent throughout and the whole program comes together as a coordinate whole rather than hundreds of distinct and separate utilities.

Our test and general use of Norton 360 was more than satisfactory. The program has so much to offer, and does everything with speed and accuracy. Norton 360 is comprehensive (not to mention comprehendible), competitive and complete, but not complicated.

We haven’t mentioned much about the new Norton Safe Web, but it provides a whole new level of security to your web browsing. Not only does the Norton toolbar help you determine individual site security at a glance, it also incorporates safe results from Google, Yahoo!, and Live.com searches. Each search result has a quick security verification (or rejection), which can be scrolled over for additional information, and clicked for further details. Symantec has also teamed up with Ask.com to provide a custom safe search. Furthermore, Norton Safe Web also incorporates community ratings for dynamic security and participation.

Overall
Norton has long been one of the top names in computer security. And while their products and services are certainly not without critics, they continue to deliver effective solutions and improvements. Norton 360 delivers an amazingly large range of tools and functions for maintaining security and performance. We were impressed with Norton 360, and found it to be one of the most comprehensive, detail-oriented, and usable all-in-one suites available.