Norton Utilities

Editor's Review

Norton Utilities is a computer diagnostic and repair software suite that enhances PC performance with a variety of tools that improve the efficiency of the operating system. These tool decrease the load placed on system resources, giving the user complete control over resource expenditure within the operating system. This software also corrects system errors automatically and conducts regular scans to keep the computer working in optimal condition. Norton Utilities works from five key technologies:

System Startup Speed

Norton Utilities has been shown to increase PC startup times by up to 25 percent with it's powerful yet simple Startup Manager. Users can control which programs they'd like to run when Windows boots, preventing annoying wait times during the startup process. Many people don't realize that the programs that run during Startup consume vast amounts of system resources, and thereby can prevent other programs from functioning properly.

Resource Allocation

Another similar feature is the Services Manager which gives users the ability to analyze and tweak system resource expenditure, thereby improving the performance of important applications. This feature alone has been shown to boost the time it takes to open a large application (such as Microsoft Word) by 15%-20%.

Registry Optimizers

Norton Utilities includes several useful registry tools as well; the Registry Cleaner and the Registry Defragmenter. The Registry Cleaner removes all unnecessary files that are left behind during the installation/de-installation of programs, and daily PC usage. These files can clutter the registry causing poor system performance. The Registry Defragmenter scans the registry regularly and corrects any errors. In fact the Registry Defragmenter can repair even the most damaged registry and can rebuild the entire registry from nothing if needed.

PC Cleaning

The Disk Cleaner feature removes all unnecessary files from the hard drive which consume space and memory unnecessarily. Some of the files that are removed are temporary files, recycling bin files, internet cookies and other unnecessary data.

Diagnostic Testing

The Performance Test feature runs a comprehensive benchmark test on the computer before and after each of the above features are utilized. This gives the user an in-depth look at the results achieved by these features. Using the Performance Test in combination with the above features regularly is a great way to improve system performance through the process of trial and error.

Norton Utilities: What We Liked

This software suite offers all of the tools needed to boost computer performance, and no upgrades are needed.

The Performance Test feature allows users to see what works best in improving system resource management. Tests are conducted automatically and the results are easy to understand, offering plenty of insight to even the most novice user.

Three software licenses are included in the bundle, letting the entire family enjoy smoother computing.

The Registry Cleaner feature is turn-key and creates backups of the registry before cleaning to ensure no data loss or system errors occur.

Norton Utilities: What We Didn't Like

May not improve system performance on machine that are already performing optimally.

Symantec Support

Symantec offers tech support for all Norton products at their Norton Support Center online. Alternatively, Symantec offers phone support and email support as well. The support center consists of various help sections, including Download and Order assistance, Subscription, Automatic Renewal, Installation, Product Activation, Technical Issues, Error Messages and more.

About Symantec

Since it's inception in 1982 Symantec has been providing security software to individuals and corporations alike. Over the years Symantec has become the leading distributor of online information security software and anti-virus software. Symantec has made a name for itself with their increasingly popular Norton Anti-Virus branch, which has become a household name in the anti-virus industry. Symantec is headquartered in Mountain View, California, USA.