The software Norton Antivirus is produced by Symantec and has a very long history in protecting users from the fatal action of malware. This antivirus continues to reinvent itself, managing to remain at a high level of competitiveness in a highly reputable competitive market. Thanks to its easy use, to its robust protection options and to its sustained performance, this antivirus software was able to win over 60% of the U.S. market.
In terms of options and facilities, the interface of the antivirus software Norton Antivirus keeps very much from the previous versions, over which came a clearer organization compared to other older versions. The configuration options, which originally were on the side of the interface, were removed and sections of “Computer Protection” and “Network Protection” have been condensed into one category with three options – Scan Now, Live Update and Advanced.
If you click the Advanced option, a mini-replica of a previous program will launch, which will reassure the old users that might be less adaptable to the look changes. In the window that opens, you will find information about the CPU, the number and percentage of files that Norton Antivirus considers as reliable, as well as those excluded from subsequent scans. The button at the bottom of the dashboard is the last element of navigation inserted. It provides quick access to what is called Norton Virus Activity Map, but also to the other options in the new version of the software.
Among the less obvious new features are: a high protection against false antivirus applications or counterfeits, an increased detection of malware – through the option that is called SONAR. One of the new features that will certainly be noticed by users is what is called the Download Insight 2.0, the new technology to protect the downloaded files, which will notify users of potential dangers, but will prevent the installation of the executable that can endanger the stability of the system.
The antivirus software Norton Antivirus is provided also with the Bandwidth Metering option, of which will especially benefit those who use the 3G or 4G network cards or those who use the iPhone or Android to connect via their laptop to the internet. To set the configuration of the new features, all you have to do is navigate to Settings -> Network -> Network Security Settings and select the Configure button that is located near the Metered Broadband Mode option.
At first glance, Norton Antivirus, appears to offer protection on multiple virtual machines simultaneously, but, if a major unfortunate event occurs, Norton Center management will not be able to send an alert notification to another computer on the network, which is still unaffected. For android users there is the possibility of downloading the Norton Mobile software by scanning with a QR type reader, such as the one called QR Droid that can be downloaded for free from the Android Marketplace.
The antivirus Norton Antivirus offers three types of scans: Quick Scan, Full Scan and Custom Scan System, which basically do no different from other types of scans that are found in the majority of the antivirus programs. Besides these scans, Norton also offers two additional scans which are hard to find in other such software – Reputation Scan and Facebook Wall Scan, which are very useful for internet users who use these types of online media.
In terms of scanning speed, Norton AntiVirus can scan 1GB of files in a record time of 28.2 seconds at a scan rate of 36.3MB per second. At a subsequent scan, the antivirus software Norton Antivirus can reach an incredible speed of 7.8 seconds. In terms of updates, the software updates its virus definitions regularly – about 192 every day, far more than other antivirus software.
On a Toshiba Pentium Dual-Core T4200 (64 bit) computer, with 3GB of RAM and a 210 GB hard, running on a Windows 7 Home Premium, in terms of performance, Norton uses 9.9 MB of the system’s memory, thus classifying as No. 3 in the top 15 antiviruses on the market today. Norton Antivirus has a reboot of 6.6 seconds and requires 280 MB of hard disk space to install. The scanning speed, at the first scan is 36.3 MB / second and subsequent scans will be performed at a speed of 131.3 MB per second, thus occupying the seventh position in the top 15 antiviruses.