Norton Internet Security 2009
Version: 2009
Downloads Count: 189,716
License Type: Buy Only
Price: $60
Date Added: May 27, 2009
Operating Systems: Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7
Requirements: 300MHz or higher processor, 256MB of RAM, 200MB of available hard disk space, standard Web browser
Author: Symantec
- Ad-Aware Anniversary Edition Free 15,814,357
- Spybot Search & Destroy 8,449,422
- Pop-Up Stopper Free 2,321,603
- AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition 1,289,324
- CWShredder 921,453
Editorial Review of Norton Internet Security 2009
In "our current roundup of nine security suites, Symantec Norton Internet Security 2009 emerged the clear winner. It pairs excellent malware detection and cleanup with a smooth, intuitive interface and a good range of features. Norton wasn't tops in every category we tested, and it is pricey--only one rival, the Kaspersky suite, cost more. But if you want a solid product to protect your PC, Norton Internet Security is a good choice.
In AV-Test.org's extensive malware-detection tests, Norton did very well, identifying 98.9 percent of the 654,914 collected samples of Trojan horses, worms, password-stealers, and other nasties. That finish put it at a close second behind the Avira suite, which tagged 99.2 percent of the "zoo."
Norton took top honors in cleaning up malware infections. It removed 80 percent of the files and Registry changes that malware had put in place, but unfortunately it failed to scrub all the files from two out of ten test infections. It produced similarly strong numbers for detecting and removing rootkits, stealth malware used to hide infections from PC users and security software alike. It successfully removed all nine active rootkits.
In dealing with adware, Norton was only average with its 96.8 percent detection rate. On the other hand, it was one of only two products (along with the Trend Micro security suite) that didn't produce a single false positive by misidentifying safe software as harmful.
In proactively identifying unknown malware for which it didn't yet have a signature, Norton scored below average. In tests with two-week-old signature files, it identified only 48.2 percent of samples, which put it at sixth in the rankings (Avira set the pace, detecting a bit over 55 percent of the samples). But the suite's new "pulse" update feature, which sends out malware signatures to the program every 5 to 15 minutes, could help offset that lackluster proactive performance. Symantec responds quickly to new widespread malware attacks, typically in less than 2 hours, according to AV-Test.
Another new feature, Norton Insight, uses Internet-based elements to identify trusted applications that don't need to be scanned, which Symantec says can help improve scanning speed. The suite proved the fastest of the group at scheduled or manual on-demand scans that survey entire files, but it was only the sixth fastest at the more-important on-access checks that occur when your PC opens or accesses a file.
Norton's antispam feature adds a toolbar to Outlook and Outlook Express, and its firewall automatically allows known, trusted applications to access the Internet. Its wireless-security feature correctly warned us about a test network that used no encryption.
While Norton's default settings and interface were largely correct and well done in our testing, its antiphishing proved a notable exception: The feature turned off Firefox's built-in antiphishing protection without any notification, a move that Symantec says is to prevent potential duplicative alerts. Other suites had no problems allowing Firefox's feature in addition to their own, however, and doing so means you have double the opportunities to catch and block a phishing site.
Regrettably, Norton's suite lacks a backup capability, and it can't scan for missing applications or Windows patches--a function that's fairly common among its competitors.
Symantec Norton Internet Security 2009 remains a strong, well-balanced security suite--and its upgrades this year make it even better. Users angling for the absolute best malware detection, or people who need backup functions in their suite, might find a better fit elsewhere. But for most, Norton is a solid choice.
Note: This link takes you to the vendor's site, where you can download the latest version of the software.
--Erik Larkin
People who downloaded this also downloaded:
Sponsored Links
-
Identify program security leaks and batten down the hatches with this free software.
-
Protect your anonymity as you surf and use the Internet with this free privacy tool.
-
If you want true outbound firewall protection for your 32-bit Vista PC, use this to help manage Vista's built-in firewall.
-
Memory cells in short supply? This tool remembers passwords for you.
-
Power Anti-Virus Professional Version 2.5 from Power Softwar
-
Scan your downloads and e-mail transparently and safely.
-
This free firewall received top ratings for stopping unwanted outbound connections.
-
This zip compression utility encrypts files, as well as Outlook email and attachments with passwords or x.509 certificates.
-
Detect and remove the dangerous Win95.CIH virus.
-
Protect your computer from damaging code, regardless of how you're connecting to the Internet.
Featured APC Accessories For Your System
10% Off Entire Cart at Online Store
-
APC Back-UPS ES Safeguards your equipment from damaging surges and spikes that travel along your utility & data lines.
-
APC SurgeArrest Performance Highest level of protection for your professional computers, electronics and connected devices, as well as provides surge protection.
Window 7 Firewall Control Free Demystifies Microsoft's Built-In Firewall
Take greater control over the firewall built into Windows 7 and Windows Vista.
The Hottest Smartphones of Summer Battle It Out
We delved into four of the hottest phones available this summer--the Apple iPhone 3GS, the Nokia N97, the Palm Pre, and the T-Mobile myTouch 3G--to see how their hardware and software stacked up.
If you have questions about finding, downloading, or opening files in our library, you'll probably find the answers here.
BitDefender Antivirus Plus v10. (2 users, 2 years)
The purpose of the Antivirus module is to ensure detection and removal of all viruses in the wild. BitDefender Antivirus uses robust scan engines certified by ICSA Labs, Virus Bulletin, Checkmark, CheckVir."/>
- Browse the Downloads Store by Topic
- Security »
- Utilities »
- Graphics & Multimedia »
- Visit the Download Store Home
Most Recent Threads