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- Most popular antivirus software Norton AntiVirus 2009 *Est. $20
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- Reviewers love Norton 360 ability to prevent spyware. The set-and-forget controls are a major asset. The program is easy to use. It performs its tasks when the computer is idle to minimize drain on resources. Features and utility are great. Experts say Norton 360 is an improvement on past Norton security software.
- No single issue bothers more than one reviewer of Norton 360. Program users are frustrated in getting the program to work and continue working. Slowing, crashing, overaggressive filtering, and drain on computer resources top the list of consumer complaints.
Norton 360 is an Internet security suite service. Its direct competitors are Windows Live OneCare (*est. $50) and McAfee Total Protection (*est. $60). Most review rank Norton 360 very highly. Reviews note that it's Vista compatible whereas the top-rated ZoneAlarm Internet Security (*est. $40) is not. The overwhelming support from reviewers should add up to an unqualified buying recommendation. User reviews could lead to an opposite conclusion, however. More than 100 owners posting to CNet.com and more than 50 Amazon.com customers have submitted user reviews. Nearly half report a good experience with the Norton 360, but others report disastrous problems with the product and tech support. Half the Amazon users give it the lowest possible score. Many people say Norton 360 stopped working, or prevented their computer from working.
Due to its dominant market share, Symantec draws plenty of reviewer attention for its new products. PCPro.co.uk has the best review of Norton 360, a new Internet security suite. PC Magazine also has a comprehensive review. CNet.com and WebUser.co.uk focus on features and installation more than performance or compatibility. Computers.net has interesting contrarian review. Laptop magazine contributes a rave review that focuses on look-and-feel and features.
Our Sources
1. PC Pro
PC Pro comprehensively tests Norton 360, makes the most relevant comparisons, and covers use of resources. Davey Winder explains and positions Norton 360 better than any other reviewer. The only thing missing from his review is discussion of compatibility with other anti-spyware programs.
Review: Norton 360 Review, Davey Winder, June 2007
PC Magazine reviews almost all the Internet security suites on the market. This review is comprehensive and comparative. Neil Rubenking only implies the differences between Norton 360 and Norton Internet Security; he does not explain them. His use of a virtual machine for testing is a disservice to readers who need to know how the program cooperates with others and strains the system.
Review: Norton 360 Review, Neil J. Rubenking, Mar. 7, 2006
3. CNET
CNet.com somewhat compares Norton 360 with Windows Live OneCare and McAfee Total Protection. Ability to prevent malware isn't tested. CNet rates the program as excellent. However, more than 100 CNet readers give the program an average rating of mediocre.
Review: Norton 360 Review, Robert Vamosi, Feb. 26, 2007
U.K. Internet magazine Web User regularly reviews security software. Andy Shaw tackles four alternatives to standalone antivirus programs and Internet security suites including Norton 360. Overall and subcategory ratings are the only method of comparison. Shaw cites no test data and doesn't discuss compatibility issues or fully explain the product.
Review: Symantec Norton 360 Review, Andy Shaw, May 2007
This interesting review nitpicks annoyances with Norton products in general. However, ability to prevent malware, drain on resources, alternative products to consider, and compatibility are the most significant issues that are ignored. In a follow-up, Bob Caswell castigates the mainstream media for its glowing reviews of Norton 360, pointing out the disconnection between those reviews and user reaction to the product.
Review: Symantec Norton 360 Review with Screenshots, Bob Caswell, Mar. 19, 2007
