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- Excellent malware detection and removal
- Fast installation
- Minimal impact on system performance
- Scans could be faster
- Dark interface can be hard to read
Reviewers say Norton AntiVirus 2011 is the best antivirus software thanks to its excellent malware performance and minimal impact on computer performance. In earlier years, Norton's antivirus software was often faulted for being bloated and slowing down normal computer processes. Experts say that is no longer the case. Norton AntiVirus 2011 now installs much faster, and reviewers note little impact on their day-to-day routine, even if that involves watching HD movies or playing games. The software gets high marks from independent testing labs, which say Norton AntiVirus does an excellent job removing existing malware or spyware. Although some competitors post slightly higher detection rates, experts say Norton holds its own in this area as well. New reputation-based features help identify suspicious files based on data compiled from other users, and reviewers like the integration with Norton Safe Web, which scans links on Facebook. On a negative note, some experts wish the scans were faster, and not everyone is a fan of the dark interface. If you want a free solution, experts recommend Avast Free AntiVirus 5 among free antivirus software.
Independent testing labs such as AV-Comparatives.org and AV-Test.org provide the most in-depth evaluations of Norton AntiVirus 2011. Both sites evaluate how well the software detects and removes malware. Detailed reviews are also available at PCMag.com and PC World, which are some of the few reviewers that conduct their own malware tests. We also found helpful information at Download.com, What Laptop and Amazon.com.
Our Sources
Norton AntiVirus 2011 earns an Advanced+ certification in this proactive/retrospective test, which is one of the most demanding tests conducted by AV-Comparatives.org. Testing shows how well each antivirus program detected viruses, Trojans and worms, as well as how many false positives they identified.
Review: Anti-Virus Comparative, Editors of AV-Comparatives.org, Dec. 6, 2010
2. AV-Test.org
AV-Test.org is an independent source that evaluates antivirus software. In the latest review, 19 antivirus programs are tested using Windows XP (results from the Windows 7 report won't be published until April 2011). Norton Internet Security 2011, which includes the same antivirus software, earns high ratings on all criteria, including protection, repair and usability.
Review: AV-Test Product Review and Certification Report -- 2010/Q3, Editors of AV-Test.org
Norton AntiVirus 2011 earns an Editors' Choice award from PCMag.com. "You won't go wrong with Norton for protection," says Neil Rubenking. Although Norton doesn't beat all the tested antivirus programs for detecting malware, it does the best job of removing threats.
Review: Norton AntiVirus 2011, Neil J. Rubenking, Sept. 8, 2010
PC World names Norton AntiVirus 2011 the best paid antivirus software in a recent roundup. The program installs quickly, it effectively blocks and removes malware, and the interface is easy to use. However, Nick Mediati wishes the scans were faster.
Review: Symantec Norton AntiVirus 2011, Nick Mediati, Nov. 29, 2010
5. Download.com
Download.com, which is a CNET website, gives Norton AntiVirus 2011 a 4.5-star rating (out of 5). Seth Rosenblatt is impressed with the antivirus program's benchmark scores, and he thinks the interface is easier to navigate than previous versions. However, he wishes it included anti-spam features.
Review: Norton AntiVirus 2011, Seth Rosenblatt, Sept. 21, 2010
6. What Laptop
Chris Barraclough at Britain's What Laptop says Norton AntiVirus 2011 is a great choice for beginners and techies alike, since the program is easy to install but provides plenty of customization for advanced users. He also likes that the antivirus program runs unobtrusively in the background without slowing down system performance.
Review: Norton AntiVirus 2011 Review, Chris Barraclough, Sept. 8, 2010
7. Amazon.com
User reviews for Norton AntiVirus 2011 at Amazon.com are mainly positive, with the antivirus software enjoying a 4-star rating after more than 25 reviews. Most reviewers say Norton is easy to use and effectively protects their computers. There is one customer service complaint.
Review: Norton Antivirus 2011 -- 1 User/3 PC, Contributors to Amazon.com
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