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Norton Internet Security 2010

Discontinued
Reviewed
April 2010
by ConsumerSearch
Norton Internet Security 2010

Pros
  • Very good anti-spyware protection
  • Antivirus and anti-spam features also well regarded
  • Doesn't hog system resources
  • User-friendly
  • Free online support
Cons
  • Tech support not always satisfactory
  • A bit expensive
Where to Buy
 

Critics agree that Norton Internet Security 2010 maintains the tradition of quality begun by Norton Internet Security 2009, which is faster and lighter than previous versions. Norton's program has the most effective anti-spyware measures of the current crop of security suites. Independent testing labs consistently report that Norton catches more malware than the competition. Part of this may be based on Norton's new reputation-based filtering, which uses information from Symantec's broad user base. While Norton Internet Security 2010 scores very well in other security features too -- from antivirus protection to spam filtering -- for spyware, it is slightly edged out by standalone products like PC Tools Spyware Doctor 2010 (Discontinued).

Norton Internet Security 2010 gets plenty of coverage from reputable reviewers, though not all evaluate all of the suite's many features. Only PCMag.com compares NIS 2010's anti-spyware components to standalone competitors, though reviewers at Download.com -- as well as British sites PC Advisor, Which? and Web User -- helpfully parse their ratings. The plentiful user reviews at Amazon.com give added perspective.

Where To Buy
Symantec 20043844 Internet Security 2010 Retail 1User 1PC

 (21 reviews)
Buy new: $49.99 $11.02   13 Used & new from $5.92

In Stock. Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping
 

Our Sources

1. PCMag.com

Norton Internet Security 2010 gets thorough coverage at PCMag.com. Neil J. Rubenking says that the program beats the malware detection scores of most competitors, though anti-spyware king Spyware Doctor with Antivirus edges it out for blocking keyloggers. Rubenking gives Norton Internet Security 2010 a PCMag.com Editors' Choice award.

Review: Norton Internet Security 2010, Neil J. Rubenking, Sept. 14, 2009

2. Download.com

Seth Rosenblatt evaluates Norton Internet Security 2010 for Download.com. He gives Norton Internet Security 2010 a perfect 5 stars, finding more improvements on last year's already-acclaimed version. The new reputation-based behavioral detection engine, better parental controls and a longer trial period are all praised.

Review: Norton Internet Security 2010, Seth Rosenblatt, Sept. 16, 2009

3. PC Advisor

Preston Gralla takes an in-depth look at Norton Internet Security 2010, evaluating it both in its beta version and with a later update. While not much is said about its spyware-fighting capabilities, Gralla says Norton Internet Security 2010 provides more information about threats on one's system than the 2009 edition, and that it's a worthwhile upgrade for owners of the earlier version.

Review: Symantec Norton Internet Security 2010 Review, Preston Gralla, Sept. 11, 2009

4. Which? magazine

Which? magazine includes Norton Internet Security 2010 in its latest security software roundup. In addition to spyware recognition, each program is tested for firewall impenetrability, spam filtering, parental controls, and virus detection and deletion. Norton Internet Security 2010 tops the list of 11 competing programs because of its effectiveness and ease of use.

Review: Security Software Review, Editors of Which?

5. WebUser

Web User's Andy Shaw scores Norton Internet Security 2010 very well. Shaw cites the suite's performance and user-friendliness as highlights, though he thinks that Norton Internet Security 2010's price point is a bit high. However, Shaw concedes that the software is nevertheless worth the cost.

Review: Norton Internet Security 2010, Andy Shaw, Oct. 8, 2009

6. Amazon.com

More than 290 users comment on Norton Internet Security 2010 at Amazon.com. More than half give the program the maximum rating of 5 stars. Those who give it a low score are mostly upset about Norton's subscription policy.

Review: Norton Internet Security 2010, Contributors to Amazon.com

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