Review: Norton Internet Security 2011 is up to speed

When I was offered a copy of Norton Internet Security 2011 to review, I was skeptical.  I had not used a Norton product since the very first Norton product was introduced.  Unfortunately, it seemed that Norton’ antivirus was seen as more of a challenge then a hindrance to malicious software writers so I switched to less well known antivirus products like AVG.  However, this latest version of Norton surprised me.

Norton Internet Security 2011 is not the bloated monster of earlier versions.  Previous Norton products have been notorious for causing computers to slowdown.  The current software has not slowed my two-year-old Toshiba Satellite computer one bit.

This past year I was using a Kaspersky antivirus and security program.  I really liked the program until my system became infected with a virus that eventually required wiping all of the computers on my home network and reloading every piece of software back on to each one.

I was contemplating which replacement program I was going to try next when Symantec offered me the program for review.  Since it had been eight to ten years since I last tried a Norton product I decided to give it a go.  So far I have been pleasantly surprised but still have some issues that Norton has not been able to fix.

Once I had the program installed, I checked out the different features: Computer Protection, Network Protection and Web Protection.  Computer protection performs the tasks that you would expect like scanning your computer for viruses, malware, and spyware.  Any such programs should be: 1) caught and quarantined before it ever gets on your computer and 2)definitely quarantined if it is already on your computer when Norton is installed.

So far, I have not run into any virus that has crippled my computer but I do still have spyware that does constantly show up.  Redirect malware seems to be impossible for any of these programs to root out.  At least once if not twice a week I will run Norton’s scan to check for viruses and spyware.  No viruses show up but there is always spyware.

If I run another spyware program called Super Anti-Spyware, I have been known to find another 200 plus spyware programs.  The failure of Norton to keep spyware off of my computer and the failure to catch spyware that is on my computer is extremely frustrating.

Network Protection provides a firewall, as well as protection for your email.  It is also gives you protection from intruders trying to use your network.  So far I have no complaints.  Any possible problems have been either handled without any input needed from me or I have been notified and given a choice on how to deal with the issue.

Web Protection provides browser protection, an identity safe, safe surfing and intelligent downloads.  Again I have no complaints except that my browser seems to constantly encounter tracking cookies and redirects.  To my knowledge my identity while I am online is secure.  Phishing is eliminated and I can feel safe about surfing any site I like and purchasing online.

Updates and constant surveillance happen in the background but as mentioned earlier, do not slow my computer down at all.  The computer, network and web protections are all adjustable with sub programs capable of being turned on or off depending on your preferences.

Overall, I think that Norton has definitely improved the speed of the program while adding new safety features.  I would like to say that the program works flawlessly but the ongoing issue of spyware prevents that.  In stead, I will simply say that my computer has not slowed down since installing the program, has avoided contracting any major viruses, and seems to offer a safer web experience.

What was that old song? Two out of three ain’t bad.

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