Norton virus scan 2004

After setup is completed, NAV connects automatically to Symantec's Web server to download the latest virus definitions. Symantec has also added an activation process similar to that used by Microsoft in Windows XP, though we found this to be a painless extra step. NAV 's well-designed interface changes little from its predecessor's. The main screen presents a snapshot of your PC's security, with red or yellow icons marking items that need attention, such as outdated virus definitions.

Default settings provide strong security by automatically deleting viruses and scanning compressed ZIP files, as well as stopping spyware and Trojans from infecting your PC. Popular options, such as scheduling automatic scans, are easily accessible. NAV adds two major capabilities. First is its enhanced detection of compressed files. NAV 's real-time scanner finds and deletes these hidden viruses on the fly--as they are being downloaded, for example--adding another layer of protection.

NAV 's second new feature is the ability to detect and destroy spyware, adware, and hacking tools that may be lurking on your hard drive. NAV is the first antivirus app to include this feature. However, the free standalone utilities, such as Lavasoft's Ad-aware and Spybot Search and Destroy , ferret out these same annoyances much better. For example, in our tests, NAV failed to find a malware component uncovered by Ad-aware 6. We ran Ad-aware immediately after the completion of a Norton system scan.

McAfee VirusScan 8. Here are our complete test results:. It's hard to draw any meaningful conclusions from such limited data. We tried the free alternative: e-mail. The form was hard to locate, but techs were responsive, answering within 24 to 48 hours. We ran Ad-aware immediately after the completion of a Norton system scan. McAfee VirusScan Professional 8.

Here are our complete test results:. It's hard to draw any meaningful conclusions from such limited data. We tried the free alternative: e-mail. The form was hard to locate, but techs were responsive, answering within 24 to 48 hours.

Unfortunately, Norton does not offer online tech chat, a feature McAfee offers with mixed results for its VirusScan customers. The Automated Support Assistant, another feature accessible via the support site, is a convenient way to download product upgrades and keep your copy of NAVP up-to-date.

Symantec's free online knowledge base is a helpful do-it-yourself resource. The Good New protection against spyware and adware; improved scanning of compressed files; well-designed interface. Minor improvements over version; antispyware feature is imperfect.

NAV is still a good choice for first timers, but its minor improvements mean NAV users need not upgrade. Previous versions have consistently led the antivirus pack in security innovations, being the first, for example, to scan instant-messaging attachments as well as inbound and outbound e-mail. The program routinely receives high marks from independent antivirus testing laboratories.

Its interface is easy for beginners to navigate, yet it offers advanced users plenty of scanning options. The version continues the tradition including some we don't like, namely, the fee-based phone support , but it adds an imperfect antispyware feature and licenses for two PCs.

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