Norton 360

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Norton 360

Norton 360 in Windows XP
Developer:	Symantec
Latest release:	1.0.0.184 / February 26, 2007 ^[1]
OS:	Windows XP and Vista
Use:	All-in-one security
License:	Proprietary
Website:	Norton 360 Home

Norton 360 is an all-in-one computer security and maintenance package from Symantec that offers a "full circle of protection". It offers several features similar to many of Symantec's other internet security products, which includes scanning components such as antivirus, antispyware and a firewall. Some of Norton 360's new features include scanning for phishing attempts and the authenticity of websites, local and online data backup and restore (2GB of space), and encryption of this data.^[2]

Norton 360 is an attempt to make setting up internet security more automatic so that users need little input into solving problems when a problem such as a security threat appears. Rather than notifying the user of security risks, it automatically solves them based on user preferences. This makes it significantly comparable to other computer security and maintenance products such as ZoneAlarm, which constantly require user input.^[3]

The Norton 360 beta-testing phase ended on February 28, 2007. Beta testers were given an opportunity to download the NFR (Not For Resale) version free of charge.

Received PC Magazine's 'Editior's Choice' award with 4 1/2 stars

[edit] Features

Norton 360 offers its own system maintenaince and management services such as hard drive defragmentation and hard drive cleanup. To enhance system protection, Norton 360 also offers a wide range of features including intrusion prevention, vulnerability assessment, background scheduling of scans and Integrated Support.

Norton 360's advanced protection features have special system requirements in order to function.

Norton 360 currently only supports POP3-compatible e-mail clients to perform email scanning.
Norton 360 currently only supports Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher (already provided by Windows XP and Vista machines).
Norton 360 requires a high-speed Internet connection for function of its online backup service.