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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Security suite with antivirus software
- Excellent virus detection
- Fast and easy to use
- Free online support
- Suite minimizes conflicts with other security programs
- Poor anti-spam performance
- Frustrating technical support
- Parental control is a separate download
March 2009. Critics say Norton Internet Security 2009 is just as powerful as previous versions but significantly lighter and faster -- something that is reflected in improved user feedback -- and ratings are consistently excellent. Reviewers say there's still room for improvement, though, especially in the frustratingly slow spam filter. A full security suite is a convenient way to get all the necessary protection in one installation, but experts say you can do just as well or better with standalone antivirus, firewall and anti-spyware programs. Norton AntiVirus 2009 (*est. $20) and ESET NOD32 Antivirus 4 (*est. $35) are top choices.
As the market leader, Symantec gets excellent coverage of its security products. PC Magazine has an extensive review of Norton Internet Security 2009's virus detection, spam filtering, spyware detection, and firewall performance. Britain's Which? includes Norton in its latest internet security suite roundup -- write-ups are short but backed by independent testing. CNet.com has an editorial review along with about sixty user reviews. Amazon.com is a good source of owner feedback as well.
Our Sources
PC Magazine has extensive coverage of Norton Internet Security 2009. Neil J. Rubenking conducts his own testing, but he relies on external lab tests to evaluate virus detection and removal. His overall assessment is enthusiastic.
Review: Norton Internet Security 2009, Neil J. Rubenking, Sept. 9, 2008
2. CNET
CNet's Robert Vamosi writes comprehensive reviews of several security suites, including Norton Internet Security 2009, which he says "hits all the right security notes." He gives Symantec kudos for the leaner footprint and improved speed, but says the online support is inadequate.
Review: Norton Internet Security 2009, Robert Vamosi, Sept. 9, 2008
3. Which? (UK)Details/Subscribe
Which? includes Norton Internet Security 2009 in its most recent security software round-up. Each suite is tested for spam filtering, firewall effectiveness, spyware detection, parental controls, and the all-important virus recognition and removal. Norton Internet Security does well across the board, earning a Best Buy rating.
Review: Security Software Review, Editors of Which?
4. Amazon.com
Amazon.com has nearly 120 reviews of Norton Internet Security 2009. A sizeable number give it perfect scores, and owners say this year's version is fast, intuitive and easy on system resources.
Review: Norton Internet Security 2009 1User/3Pc, Contributors to Amazon.com
5. About.com
About.com's guide to antivirus software includes a review of Norton Internet Security 2009, but it's short on critical analysis. Only Norton and F-Secure have been reviewed so far this year, and it isn't clear how contenders are tested. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)
Review: Norton Internet Security 2009, Mary Landesman
