Symantec’s Norton AntiVirus 2008 with Antispyware protection is the ideal security software for anyone looking for a straight-forward, easy to install and easy to use product.
The software is said to protect users against spyware and viruses by automatically blocking spyware, detecting and removing viruses and worms, as well as offering rootkit protection. Launched last August, Symantec boasts that Norton AntiVirus 2008 offers users better performance and faster security scans.
The installation of the software itself was quick since it only took me a little over 10 minutes to install on my notebook. Once everything was set up, I was able to run and check for what Symantec refers to as LiveUpdates, that enable the suite to offer the most up-to-date Internet malware and security protection methods available. The software only runs on Windows Vista and Windows XP, which may pose a challenge for non-Windows users looking for security protection.
When I wanted to fun a Full System Scan on my notebook, Norton AntiVirus 2008 was able to scan 305,509 files in just 45 minutes. For those who want to help speed up the process, the software also offers the option of running a quick scan that takes even less time. Quick Scan is helpful when users need to run a quick security check since the software will actually scan the areas of the computer that are the most likely to be affected by security risks. Lucky for me though, the only risks that were found by the scans were tracking cookies, which were detected by the virus scanner. I was able to quickly fix these low-risk issues with no problems, thanks to the handy fix button that also appears on the scan’s result page.
The Norton AntiVirus menu itself is clear and easy enough to use since it tells users how many more days are remaining for their one-year protection service of the software. In addition, users also have the option of choosing when and which type of scan to run, as well as users can also view detailed activity log reports that were generated from previous system scans.
For those who are frequent e-mail and/or instant message users, Norton AntiVirus also protects PCs against malware by scanning and cleaning attachments before anything is sent out.
New to Norton AntiVirus 2008 is its one-click access to support, which can be accessed by users directly from the Norton AntiVirus user interface. With one-click access, users can easily reach out for help through telephone, e-mail or live chat. Another new feature is the home network feature which gives users visibility and access to the other devices that may also be connected over their local network.
The suggested retail price for Norton AntiVirus 2008 is U.S. $39.99 and includes a one-year service subscription for one PC. Norton AntiVirus 2008 is also available for five and 10 users with its small office offerings. The price for five users is U.S. $89.99 and for 10 users, it’s U.S. $149.99. Throughout the service year, users are also entitled to receive free Symantec protection updates that can be accessed through the software directly.
Once the one-year protection is up, users also have the option of renewing their subscription service by clicking on a link that can be found on the Norton AntiVirus screen. For more information on Norton AntiVirus 2008, visit the Symantec Web site at www.symantec.com.
