EmailBest Reviewed
Antivirus Software
- Best antivirus software ESET NOD32 Antivirus 4 *Est. $35
- Free antivirus software AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition 8.5 *Est. $0
- Security suite with antivirus software Norton Internet Security 2009 *Est. $45
- Most popular antivirus software Norton AntiVirus 2009 *Est. $20
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- Experts say that the latest version of Norton AntiVirus is much less of a system hog. Virus and spyware detection are average or among the best, depending on the testing source, and the software is easy to set up and use.
- Norton AntiVirus still causes more system drag than most antivirus programs. Reviewers say telephone tech support requires a long wait and Symantec charges for it. The program can be difficult to uninstall. Several reviewers specifically say Kaspersky Anti-Virus is better.
The consensus of reviewers is that Norton AntiVirus 2007 is much improved over past versions. The code has been rewritten and streamlined. Reviewers also agree that Norton is one of the more effective programs. Professional reviews all highly rate Norton AntiVirus, but no source designates it as the best choice overall. About half of the owner reviewers are in agreement with the professional reviews. The rest experienced unsolvable installation problems, compatibility conflicts with other programs, and severe system drag. The top-rated firewall and anti-spyware programs, ZoneAlarm Pro and Spy Sweeper, are among those incompatible with Norton. Overall, we found better reviews for Kaspersky Anti-Virus (*est. $60).
Norton AntiVirus is the bestselling antivirus program, and correspondingly has the most reviews. PCAdvisor.co.uk has two good reviews, one supported by the same testing used by PC World. Computer Shopper compares the most programs in a set of somewhat helpful reviews. 6StarReviews.com does a fine job of identifying practical issues, such as RAM usage, tech support, and the cost of telephone tech support. CNet.com has a slightly useful review that primarily considers the product in context of the shortcomings of previous versions. Consumer Reports only reviews the previous version of Norton AntiVirus. We found hundreds of user reviews that provide much important additional information.
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Our Sources
1. PC Advisor
PCAdvisor.co.uk has two separate recent reviews of Norton AntiVirus 2007; one by Jason Whittaker, and one by Ryan Naraine as part of a roundup review. The reviewers reach different conclusions, while agreeing about the program's merits and faults. The reviews complement each other nicely.
Review: Norton AntiVirus 2007, Jason Whittaker, Mar. 1, 2007
British magazine Computer Shopper directly compares 12 of the bestselling antivirus software programs, including Norton AntiVirus 2007. This evaluation does include performance testing. Editors say Norton AntiVirus provides average protection at a high price.
Review: Labs: Anti-virus software, Simon Edwards, Feb. 2007
3. PC World
In conjunction with AV-Test.org, PC World tests eight antivirus applications under Microsoft Windows Vista, including Norton AntiVirus 2007. The reviews are comprehensive and detailed, but incompatibilities with other security software is addressed. Ryan Naraine appears to put a positive spin on the test results of Norton AntiVirus 2007.
Review: Symantec Norton AntiVirus 2007, Ryan Naraine, Apr. 23, 2007
This amateur review does not attempt formal testing, but testing of real-world considerations is surprisingly comprehensive. While other reviewers criticize Norton Antivirus AntiVirus for lacking irrelevant protections, 6StarReviews complains about features bloating the program. Comparison is only accomplished through overall and subcategory ratings.
Review: Norton Antivirus Anti-Virus Software, Editors of 6StarReviews.com
5. CNET
CNet rates Norton AntiVirus 2007 as very good, which seems unduly high in context of issues raised by the review, such as the charge for tech support. CNet does not test effectiveness in preventing viruses; it relies on the independent lab tests, but in this case, CNet uses the tests for Norton AntiVirus 2006. The review does not address software conflicts, but says Norton is faster and lighter than past versions.
Review: Norton AntiVirus 2007 Review, Robert Vamosi, Mar. 20, 2007
