Norton Internet Security 2009

March 2009. In the past, Norton Internet Security was widely praised for its effectiveness, but largely scorned for hindering overall computer performance. That liability is a thing of the past in the latest version, Norton Internet Security 2009. Reports say that it delivers every ounce of protection that earlier generations were noted for, but runs as fast and light as anything else currently available. The spam detection could be better, and having to separately download some features such as parental control software is a bother. At list price, Norton Internet Security 2009 is pricey, but frequent discounts and rebates make it competitive with other security suites (it often costs as little as $10 when combined with discounts and rebates). If your budget is tighter, Panda Internet Security 2009 (*est. $20) is not quite as well-rated as Norton Internet Security 2009, but is effective in its own right and costs less.

Norton Internet Security 2009 has been extensively reviewed. PCMag.com has the best write-up, and it includes good coverage of most aspects of the suite, including virus detection, spam filtering, spyware detection, and firewall performance. PC World, Which? and CNET have shorter, but still worthwhile reports. Amazon.com is the home of the most user reviews.