martytdx's Full Review: Symantec Norton Internet Security 2003 Full Versio...
This review is moved and updated from it's old location under Antivirus 2003. I apologize if you read the old review - I thought that it should be in the right category, now that they have it - and added some new thoughts about the program to boot.
Norton Internet Security
Maybe it’s from experience, or maybe it’s just plain old paranoia. But I really worry about the stuff on my system. Now that we have a DSL and a dedicated IP address, our exposure to hackers, viruses, Trojan horses, Spam, lurkers and garlic-breathed dandelion salesmen has increased dramatically. Initially, we went with the free firewall and a basic anti-virus program, because – as we all know - ”Windows XP will be the first unhackable computer system”
Okay, so after the 3,157th security update on Windows XP, we decided that perhaps the free firewall that came with Windows XP wasn’t the answer. We tried ZoneAlarm, but it had NUMEROUS conflicts with the Windows XP operating system – including not allowing us any access to the internet. So, we started using Norton.
We first got the Norton Antivirus 2002 (see my review here on the Epinions site), and then moved on to getting Norton Firewall 2002. Both systems worked splendidly, and we were ready to upgrade our subscription when I found a deal that was just too good to pass up.
You see, the Norton Internet Security 2003 package is everything we wanted, plus more that we were afraid to ask for. Not only do you get the two aforementioned programs, but you also get the Internet Security piece which ties it all together and adds its own nuances. Among those are:
* Parental Control
* Spam Alert
* Pop-Up/Banner Ad Blocker
* Privacy Control
It’s like a paranoidal computer user’s dream!
INSTALLATION
When I installed Norton Antivirus 2002, it was a breeze. The firewall took a little more tweaking, but that’s to be expected considering what you have to do to make it work with your system/ISP/Network. So, I expected more of the same since I was merely upgrading. Unfortunately, Norton wasn’t nearly as nice as it used to be.
My wife and I both installed it on our computers (yes, the license allows two installs of home computers). She had no problems save for a minor conflict with her network which was resolved in about 10 seconds. I, on the other hand, had a bit more trouble.
First and foremost, when you go to install this product, make sure to UNINSTALL PREVIOUS VERSIONS. It says that you shouldn’t have to do this, but my install failed twice until I did it. And even then I had to uninstall the Internet Security once and reinstall it to get the Norton Antivirus to install properly (so much for not having to reboot in Windows XP). However, once I got past those headaches, I have been nothing but impressed.
FEATURES Internet Security
The interface you are given is just about as easy as it can get. The major components are all on one screen, with the statuses of each given to you clear as day. If one of your components needs to be updated, it appears in a vivid red font, along with a SECURITY WARNING header at the top of the interface. Mine shows the INTERNET SECURITY, FIREWALL and ANTI-VIRUS status at the top, and then the lesser controls just below it.
The interface offers several quick buttons along the top of the interface - the Security Monitor/Security Center button allows you to move quickly between a full interface and a smaller, abbreviated version, while the block traffic button is a crucial addition to the system – with one click of the mouse, you can completely stop all flows of information to or from your computer instantly. This is crucial if a hacker was attacking you, since it allows a complete disconnection of your system from the Internet, saving critical time and data. The Live Update button starts the process of updating all components to their latest versions. As with past versions, Antivirus has regular weekly updates, although particular threats may create more frequent downloads. The Options button gives you full access to many of the features of the Internet Security program.
Below the button bar, you have more functionality controls to set status, alerts, see statistics, etc. – including setting user-specific accounts (different rules for adults vs. the kids), etc. There are a ton of different options for each sub-program, giving you the ability to really tailor how protected you want to be.
Norton Antivirus
Norton has improved the 2002 version, although none of the changes are particularly earth-shattering. However, they are worth the upgrade, if only because they do protect you that much more against the increasing virus and worm attacks which prowl the Internet. Antivirus 2003 offers enhanced Trojan Horse, virus and script blocking, as well as improved email scanning. One of my favorite improvements is the quicker scans of emails, and the fact that the dialog box is far less intrusive (one of Norton’s flaws).
The new version is supposed to also have improved capabilities at isolating and cleaning infected files, although I have yet to have a recovered file. Of course, I haven’t really had one that I needed to save, so my experience with the cleaning function is limited. One other note - Automatic LiveUpdate can sometimes be tricky, not always loading in the background as scheduled. Make sure to check your latest update to make sure that you are covered.
Norton Firewall
I was surprised by how easy Norton Firewall 2003 was to set up for our network. Designed for Windows XP, it installed in a snap, and worked almost flawlessly from the start – something we can’t say for ZoneAlarm Pro, which was riddled with conflicts in WinXP. We installed it, gave it instructions on which programs to allow full access, and which computers could run through the firewall and *voila!* - it was done. It even reviews the software on your computer so that you can quickly decide whether to allow it access or not. And if any program tries to access the Internet without your previous permission, you get a dialog box warning you, and giving the chance to block, allow or allows it access.
Internet Security
There are four main components of this part of the program, and each can be customized to a particular users tastes. Primary (for me, at least), are the privacy control and Ad blocking; PRIVACY CONTROL enhances your browsers settings for which information you want to have transmitted to sites, downloaded by sites or even what you want your computer to look like to an ad server. AD BLOCKING is a phenomenal tool, quickly and easily blocking many of those annoying pop-ups (such as those our beloved Epinions tries to load on us). Unfortunately, some true images are regarded as ad banners, so you might have to disable it on certain sites.
Spam Alert is just that – a quick way of blocking or deleting emails from known spammers – or from sites which are sending you more than your fair share of porn and get-rich-quick schemes. You can easily add new addresses, although I found that my email program is easier to use for doing this.
Parental Alert duplicates the features of many mid-range Cyber Sitter-like programs. You can set up each user to have particular sites that they can or cannot access, which sites can see or send certain information, etc. I haven’t used this at all because I don’t have any little ones I need to protect, but I can see how this would be a very handy feature for parents.
WHERE TO GET IT
While looking around, I found that I could get both Norton Antivirus and Firewall for about $30 apiece. OR, I could by the new Norton Internet Security 2003 for $6.99 (after rebates) at Amazon.com - which I did. However, if you order now, you can actually get the upgrade on Amazon and MAKE $10 for doing it (Your cost, after rebate, is -$10.05!!!)
FINAL THOUGHTS
FINAL THOUGHTS
Overall, I’m really happy with the program so far. Yes, the installation on my machine was a bit trying, but since it went on my wife’s with few problems, it may have been a rare situation.
One thing I have had a problem with is the fact that my automatic Live Update has stopped working. I still get notices that my definitions are getting old, but it doesn't do the automatic background updates. This is probably because my computer sitting on a network with my wife's computer being the HUB - she's not having the same problem. Chances are you won't either, but even if you do, it's a pretty minor thing - you can do a live update any time that you like.
Aside from that, we have had no problems and both feel significantly more protected. I've personally intercepted a dozen viruses since we installed it, and been able to thwart several attempts on our firewall (all unsuccessful). Norton Internet Security not only gives you firewall and antivirus, but other effective programs which you would probably buy separately anyway.
If you connect to the Internet frequently – PARTICULARLY if you have a broadband connection – make sure that you go a little further and get the full protection that this program offers.
‘Cause remember – just because you’re paranoid, DOES NOT mean that they aren’t out to get you.
related REVIEWS » UPDATE 12/7/04 I have also written a review on what I am using now, TrendMicro PC-cillin, which I think surpasses Norton.
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