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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Most popular antivirus software
- Excels at detecting viruses
- Light and fast
- Easy-to-use interface
- Windows XP conflicts
- Poor online technical support
March 2009. Symantec has made some significant design changes with Norton AntiVirus 2009, and reviewers say there's a noticeable improvement in speed and footprint. This year's user reviews contain fewer complaints about resource drain and software incompatibility, although some owners report clashes with Windows XP. Most reviewers say Norton has a simple and intuitive interface, and it does well in lab tests for virus detection. ESET NOD32 4.0 (*est. $35) does slightly better overall with reviewers and earns much higher user ratings, but some say the improved interface is still too complex for beginners. Security experts recommend anti-spyware and firewall programs in addition to virus detection software. One option is to get an all-inclusive suite like Norton Internet Security 2009 (*est. $45).
We found a good review of Norton AntiVirus 2009 at CNet.com. Robert Vamosi weighs in on features, performance and ease of use. CNet has some user reviews following the main article, but we found more substantial coverage from owners at Amazon.com. Geek.com and TopTenReviews.com also provide some information.
Our Sources
1. CNET
Robert Vamosi gives Norton AntiVirus 2009 high marks for its lean footprint, improved speed and free technical support. User reviews on CNet.com are mostly positive as well, with some points docked for customer service and poor Windows XP compatibility.
Review: Norton AntiVirus 2009, Robert Vamosi, Oct. 10, 2008
2. Amazon.com
Over 60 Amazon.com users weigh in on the 2009 release of Norton AntiVirus, giving it a solid four out of five stars overall. There are a few reports of software incompatibility and system conflicts, but overall users say this popular program is effective and easy to use.
Review: Norton Antivirus 2009, Contributors to Amazon.com
In its roundup of 18 antivirus programs, TopTenReviews.com ranks Norton AntiVirus 2009 just below the middle of the pack. Ease of use and feature set are strong, but editors say it's not effective against spyware. Results from independent testing organizations are reported.
Review: Norton AntiVirus 2009, Editors of TopTenReviews.com
4. Geek.com
Geek.com doesn't perform its own tests, but it does report on testing by AV-comparatives.org, which gives Norton AntiVirus 2009 a satisfactory rating. Symantec's improvements in footprint and system impact get some positive feedback here.
Review: Review: Norton AntiVirus 2009, Sal Cangeloso, Dec. 15, 2008
5. NewEgg.com
Newegg.com has just five user reviews so far, and most are very short. At this point, Amazon.com is a much better source of user reviews for Norton AntiVirus 2009.
Review: Symantec Norton AntiVirus 2009, Contributors to Newegg.com
