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24 Jun 2011 By ABradney-George

Antivirus Programs: Norton At A Glance

24 Jun

Comparing Antivirus Programs? Check Out The Range Of Norton Antivirus Software Downloads Available From Symantec.

Since Symantec bought Norton in 1990 it has become one of the most popular providers of antivirus software and home security suites available. With a range of different options for PC protection and backup, as well as Mac software, Norton is definitely worth comparing to other antivirus options.

Norton Antivirus Software

While all of Norton's software include protection features, there are two programs primarily focused on antivirus protection - Norton Antivirus and Norton Internet Security. With Norton Antivirus both the PC and network are secured, as it detects and deletes malware and viruses in real time, while also informing users of the impact files and applications will have on their security and PC performance.

As an internet security suite, on the other hand, Norton Internet Security includes online anti-fraud protection, anti-malware and spyware protection, and a blindingly fast antivirus utility to keep people protected. This software is a multipurpose, online and offline security option ideal for home users and small businesses.

Another security suite option with even more features is Norton 360 standard and Premier, which offer a range of tools to improve PC performance and system stability while protecting against online threats. This suite protects against virus and malware threats, spyware, identity theft and hackers with a unique two-way firewall option. It also has parental control features and offers free data backup - 2GB for the standard edition and 25GB in Premier.

All of these antivirus options make use of Norton's 'Quorum' detection method, which uses advanced methods like detecting IP addresses for a file and assessing its threat to weed out any previously unknown malware threats. This system has helped Norton stay at the front of the pack with antivirus software.

PC Backup And Optimization With Norton

Norton also offers a range of backup and system utilities to help keep your data protected and optimize your PC performance. The comprehensive data backup suite Norton Ghost can backup an entire PC, including system preferences and hidden folders, making it easier to recover lost or damaged data from system crashes and viruses.

Ghost also features encryption and compression functions to fully secure a database and an exclusive "remote backup management" option so that PCs can be backed up from remote devices in the event of complete system failure. For people who want system optimization as well as data protection, Ghost would go well with Norton Utilities - a computer diagnostic and repair software suite that enhances PC performance by considering startup speed, registry cleaning, unnecessary files and more.

With all of these options, it is no wonder Norton is a familiar name in the PC world. Be sure to compare these products with others to get the best deal possible for you and your PC.