- Offers the industry’s most comprehensive, all-in-one protection against digital dangers.
- Guards against online threats and identity theft and automatically backs up important files.
- keeps your PC running at peak performance.
- Proactively alerts you to dangerous downloads before you install or run them on your PC
Norton 360 Version 4.0 offers the industry’s most comprehensive, all-in-one protection against digital dangers. It guards against online threats, automatically backs up important files, and keeps your PC running at peak performance.Norton 360 offers the industry’s most comprehensive, all-in-one protection against digital dangers. Its groundbreaking new reputation service provides unmatched real-time threat detection to guard against viruses, worms, spyware, bots, Trojans, rootkits, and other digital dangers. Automated set-it-and-forget-it local and secured online backup let you quickly and easily back up and restore digital photos, downloaded music, financial documents, and other important files in case of loss or damage. It even automatically tunes up your PC to help keep it running well. Plus it helps you keep your PC performing at its best by providing easy-to-understand information about files and applications that may be impacting performance.
 Keeps your PC running at peak performance. Click to enlarge. |
 Start-up Manager lets you reduce your PC’s start up time. Click to enlarge. |
 Protects your identity when you buy, bank, and browse online. Click to enlarge. |
 Web-based access to backup files allows you to retrieve and download your backup files anytime, anywhere. Click to enlarge. |
Ultimate protection, performance, and peace of mind against digital dangers.
 Norton 360 offers the industry’s most comprehensive, all-in-one protection against digital dangers. Click to enlarge. |
Protects your identity when you buy, bank, and browse online
Identifies fraudulent websites and validates authentic ones so you can safely surf, shop, and bank online.
Blocks viruses, spyware, Trojans, worms, bots, and rootkits
Guards your PC against all kinds of cyber-threats with comprehensive, award-winning protection.
Uses intelligence-driven technology for fast, accurate scans
Quickly and accurately scans your PC for threats using the industry-leading online intelligence system.
Analyzes new files and applications for threats before you install or run them
Proactively alerts you to potential dangers in newly downloaded files and applications before you install or run them on your PC.
Prevents hackers from taking control of your PC
Blocks access to your private information and stops hackers from using your PC to launch cyber-attacks on other PCs.
Identifies unsafe websites and suspicious online sellers
Surf and shop with confidence knowing you won’t accidentally provide your information to a cyber-criminal.
Keeps your PC running at peak performance
Cleans and repairs the registry, removes unnecessary Internet clutter and temporary files, defragments your hard drive, and optimizes your PC to keep it performing at its best.
Automated back up of your important files
Your files can be quickly retrieved and restored in case of a loss.
PC Security
- Intelligent, industry-leading protection guards your PC against identity theft, online fraud, viruses, Trojans, spyware, worms, bots, and the latest cyber-threats.
- Improved–Norton Protection System featuring new reputation service threat detection technology provides multiple layers of security that work together to proactively catch and stop all types of Internet threats.
- New–Reputation service adds an additional layer of protection by providing unprecedented and unmatched detection of viruses, Trojans, spyware, and other threats. Using “cloud-based” online intelligence, Norton’s reputation service technology scrutinizes different attributes and/or characteristics of files and applications such as age, download source, digital signature and prevalence in real-time to determine if a file or application is safe.
- Pulse Updates every 5 to 15 minutes provide up-to-the-minute protection against new threats. Updates more frequently than any other security solution.
- New–Download Insight proactively warns of you potential dangers in newly downloaded files and applications. Plus it tells you how they’ll impact your PC’s performance before you install or run them.
- New–File Insight reports let you know where files and applications came from and if they can be trusted before you use them. They also tell you how files and applications may be impacting your PC’s performance.
- Application Monitoring: Norton Insight Advisor lets you review the security status of every application process running on your PC so you can see which are safe and which are at risk.
- Smart Two-Way Firewall keeps hackers from stealing your personal information from your PC without annoying firewall alerts.
- Improved–Vulnerability Protection patches security holes (vulnerabilities) in your operating system, applications, browsers, and browser plug-ins to prevent threats from sneaking in.
- New–SONAR 2 (Symantec Online Network for Advanced Response) uses real-time online intelligence and proactive monitoring to detect the latest breaking threats and stop today’s aggressive rapid-fire attacks.
- Network Mapping and Monitoring shows you all the devices connected to your wireless home network. Plus it helps you spot uninvited guests piggybacking onto your network and stealing bandwidth.
- Deep Cleaning Technology provides an extra thorough level of scanning when necessary to scrub heavily infected machines and eliminate the most persistent infections.
- Improved–Norton Bootable Recovery Tool removes deeply rooted infections and restores your PC to normal operation, even if viruses make your computer unbootable.
Identity Protection
- Improved–Anti-phishing protects your identity online by quickly confirming safe web sites and identifying dangerous web sites.
- Improved–Anti-spam protection prevents spammers, phishers and unwanted email from flooding your inbox.
- Improved–Norton Safe Web with new Norton Safe Search identifies unsafe web sites and suspicious sellers right in your search results so you can surf and shop with confidence.
- Improved–Norton Identity Safe protects against identity theft by preventing key loggers from stealing your information. It also speeds up log-ins and makes online shopping more convenient.
- Improved–Expanded and enhanced cookie detection gets rid of hard to find Internet Explorer and Firefox cookies.
Backup
- Automated backup lets you quickly retrieve and restore important files in case of loss.
- New–Web-based access to backup files allows you to retrieve and download your backup files anytime, anywhere.
PC Tuneup
- PC Tuneup keeps your PC performing at its best by removing unnecessary clutter and optimizing your hard drive.
- Improved–Start-up Manager lets you reduce your PC’s start up time.
- New–Norton System Insight provides tools and easy-to-read graphs to help you improve and maintain PC and application performance.
- Optimizes applications so they open faster and perform better.
- Gives you clear, easy-to-understand insight into recent activities on your PC. Identifies activities that impact your PC’s performance, making it easier to keep your PC running at its best.
- Performance graphs and reports help you pinpoint what’s causing your computer to slow down.
User Experience
- Defends against digital dangers without slowing down your computer or eating up system resources.
- FREE 24×7 Support gives you the help you need, the way you want it–by phone, email, live chat or our extensive online knowledge base. (Not available in every country. Please refer to the support matrix for country-by-country specifics.)
- Automatically switches to Silent Mode when your PC is in full-screen mode so you can watch movies and play games without interruption.
- New–Power Saver Settings help you extend laptop or notebook battery life by allowing you to put off power-intensive activities until your PC is plugged-in.
- New–Monthly Report gives you the peace of mind of knowing Norton has been actively working in the background to defeat attempted attacks.
Top Reasons to Buy
- Protects your identity when you buy, bank, and browse online
- Blocks viruses, spyware, Trojans, worms, bots, and rootkits
- Uses online intelligence technology for faster, more accurate scans
- Analyzes new files and applications for threats before you run or install them
- Prevents hackers from taking control of your PC
- Identifies unsafe websites and suspicious online sellers
- Keeps your PC running at peak performance
- Performs automated backup of your crucial files
- Includes no charge technical support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week*
* No charge, unlimited 24×7 email, chat, and phone support for a period of one year from initial installation of your product. For full details and to access support, go to www.symantec.com/globalsupport.
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(out of 116 reviews)
Review by Lewis A. Edge for Norton 360 4.0 1 User (3 PC)
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Presumably this software got its name because it offers a full circle of protection. Several years ago I discontinued using Norton antivirus software because of installation and performance issues. It also made no sense for me to pay for protection when I could download and install McAfee antivirus software free-of-charge through my Comcast Internet account. Since I recently switched from Comcast to Verizon FIOS, I thought it might be a good time to give Norton’s software another try. I must say that I’m impressed with the improvements in Norton’s newest version.
The most important features that I look for in antivirus software is the ability to protect my computer from viruses and spyware and to do so without adversely affecting my computer’s performance. Although McAfee’s antivirus software, included free with my Comcast Internet service, apparently protected my Dell Inspiron notebook computer from virus infections for more than 3 1/2 years, it really slowed down my computer at times…especially when opening PowerPoint and Word files. When McAfee was running its weekly automatic full-file scan it would consume nearly all of my computer’s power, leaving few resources for me to do my tasks.
I experienced several pleasant surprises after removing my former antivirus software and installing Norton 360. Most importantly, the installation went smoothly and quickly. Norton 360 automatically configured itself on both my Outlook and Outlook Express mail clients to screen for SPAM, which I consider the scourge of the Internet. Then it did a quick scan of my hard drive to make sure there were no infections and offered to automatically remove hundreds of relatively harmless tracking cookies that were slowing down my computer. My computer now runs noticably faster.
Now I can open Word and PowerPoint files in a fraction of the time it took me to do so when I was using other antivirus software. I might add that I’ve also been pleased with Norton 360′s ability to identify and divert SPAM from my inbox and into a SPAM folder which I can check regularly and empty. Although my mail provider also screens for SPAM, a lot of it still gets through and I previously wasted enormous amounts of my time deleting it from my inbox. My Norton 360 catches and diverts most SPAM and, for the ones that it misses the first time, I am able to quickly “teach” it to catch it the next time. This has been one of Norton 360′s features that I have appreciated the most.
In summary, I see Norton 360 as a significant improvement over previous Norton antivirus programs that I have used and I get much better performance from my computer since I switched from other antivirus software. Only time and experience will tell me if Norton 360 is as effective with its virus protection. So far, after using it for nearly two weeks, I’m still virus free and my computer is running better and faster.
Review by R. Thompson for Norton 360 4.0 1 User (3 PC)
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I’m in I.T. myself, so I don’t lightly malign a software company, and certainly not without plenty of personal experience with it. I’ve used Norton products since before Symantec got involved, and I’ve seen the customer experience go all the way to the bottom. I love their products, but I’ve had to contact them numerous times because of install or activation problems.
It’s no longer possible to talk to anyone in America, whether by phone, chat or email. On the phone, I can barely get past the heavy accents and have to make them repeat themselves over and over. If you approach with an “easy” problem, they may be able to find it in their cookbook of standard responses, but if my problems were easy I wouldn’t need their help. If it isn’t in their book, forget about help. Period. Even if you can make them understand your problem, chances are the solution won’t work.
Prior to this weekend, my most recent experience was through email. Five separate times (no exaggeration) I explained my problem in great detail and perfect clarity. Every single time, they sent me an answer that had absolutely no relation to the question. The last response was supposedly from a supervisor. I finally had to waste many hours in a literature search.
Yesterday I bought a 3-user license renewal for Norton 360, for two computers. Instead of renewing my activations, it decremented my available license count for the first computer, and refused to activate on the second. I had two lengthy, frustrating chat sessions, followed by two call-backs from supervisors. Both times I was assured that the problem was solved. It isn’t. Now I’ve got to wade through that system again to get a refund. I’m finished with Symantec–for good.
Review by mkfisher for Norton 360 4.0 1 User (3 PC)
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Having used both free antivirus and spyware applications, and also McAfee and several versions of Norton, I love Norton 360 and wouldnt use anything else. It has worked very well for me – and starting with last years V.3, they enhanced it a lot AND have cut down – practically eliminated – the resource hogging. Set your Norton 360 V.4 up and it will work for you safely and quietly. It has intercepted many dangerous items that I had no idea about until I looked into my history or printed my report. I highly recommend this product to anyone, but don’t take my word for it – you can try it before you buy it – download the trial from Symantec and see for yourself
Review by Stephen Foster for Norton 360 4.0 1 User (3 PC)
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These are first impressions: I’ll update this if I discover anything else of significance.
[OK, the first update is that I installed it on a friend's computer that I'd just done a reformat and clean Windows (XP) install on. Her machine is older, but it has the Norton-recommended 512Mb of RAM. Norton, left at its default settings, hogged her machine so completely that she couldn't get any work done. I suggested that I could dial Norton down significantly without compromising her security, but I can't fault her for uninstalling it and going back to her old freeware. On my own machine (also aging, but dual-processor, 2Gb RAM), Norton is effectively invisible.]
[Second update: After a month, a really nice monthly report popped up. It's a great idea, especially for a program that really is mostly invisible once it's settled down. It tells me two threats were detected, four intrusions blocked, and so on. Blowing its own horn, yes, but it's nice to know it's working away. I'm getting more impressed]
First, the introduction of a single product that covers all aspects of computer security seems like a no-brainer: the average computer user gives not a jot about the various and diverse flavours of threat; they just want their computers secure and their data safe. Are you concerned that for a fair amount of money you’re only buying use of the program for one year? By all means be concerned, because Norton doesn’t appear to offer discounts for renewals, but the yearly cost is not outrageous, given how inventive the Nasties are.
If you are a completely non-technical user, this program can be rather wonderful. If a concerned, tech-savvy relative asks how you’re dealing with hard drive crashes, spam, malware, viruses, rootkits… just breezily answer: “I installed Norton 360, and I let it deal with all that stuff” and watch them walk away fairly reassured.
But only fairly: the program has a complete set of default settings, and in the spirit of installing seamlessly and easily, it doesn’t point out or ask about some rather important things. It will backup all your important data, but by default it will save it on the same hard drive that contains your data: when the hard drive fails, the backup is lost along with the data. I recommend you don’t just accept all the default settings, but instead spend some time learning what the program actually does.
(That, and get yourself an external backup drive, today. Terabyte-sized USB drives with long warranties are now available for under $100. They literally require no more installation or thinking about other than to plug it into a power outlet, plug it into a USB port, introduce 360 to it, and tell it to use it for backup from now on. Good ones will automatically power themselves on and off with your computer. Computer hard drives are now very reliable indeed, but now they also contain a significant portion of most peoples’ lives, so by the Law of Maximum Damage, they are guaranteed to still fail.)
I don’t yet know how effective the program is. Would I had it a month ago, when my computer got infected by a rootkit that turned it into a spam zombie: I’d love to have 360 pass that test, so I didn’t need to reformat my C: drive and reinstall Windows. (The only evidence the rootkit was there was an unexplained extra 20-30 Mb of uploads every day, but that translates to thousands of spam messages.)
It may not solve all of your problems, because “malware” is ill-defined. I have a friend who complained that her google searches had been hijacked; 360 did not locate that problem, because she herself had unwittingly installed a “search enhancer”.
What follows are some observations; I’ll expand and clarify them as I get more familiar with the program.
The documentation is not clear on the location of the product key. It says “on a sticker on the CD case, or on an insert in the packaging…” There was a sticker on my CD case with what looked like (but wasn’t) a key on it, but better would be to show what the key looks like (XXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX) to give some idea of what to look for.
Scan options are: Quick Scan, Comprehensive Scan, Let Me Choose. The Let Me Choose options are very wide:
LiveUPdate Virus and Spyware Scan (specific files and folders)
Remove IE temp files
Remove Windows temp files
IE History flush
Disk optimization (defrag, and it’s not quite clear what else)
Registry Cleanup
Backup (identify and prepare files for backup)
The Security History is very complete and readable.
It claims to know about Firefox and can clean up Firefox, but it doesn’t automatically detect it or offer to clean it. It has never heard of Chrome, Opera, or any other off-brand browser.
Not obvious how to (or if you can) configure which types of files to scan. For example, I have gigabytes of Photoshop files that offer no infection threat at all, but Norton spent several hours pointlessly scanning them. Sure: if the files don’t change they won’t get scanned again, but it’s still an enormous waste of cycles.
Following the annoying habit of every anti-virus program I’ve ever seen, it doesn’t use a standard Windows File | Edit | View | Tools | Help interface, so you have to hunt for things that you shouldn’t. Example: I use a small, separate hard-drive partition for my operating system, keeping all non-OS data on a larger partition (with the enormous advantage that I can do a clean Windows reinstall really easily). But discovering how to tell Norton to (mostly) scan only my C: drive is not at all obvious.
But I’ll close with some real praise: after its interminable initial scan, the program more or less vanished. It is running, but it stopped hogging my CPUs, and completely stopped bothering me except to ask if I wanted it to remember all my usernames and passwords, card numbers and other personal information for automatically filling in browser forms: I don’t yet want to take that step, but I also don’t want it to stop asking me.
Review by Sam M. Tannenbaum for Norton 360 4.0 1 User (3 PC)
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I’m not a fan of paid antivirus software. I had a miserable experience with McAfee several years ago (check my reviews of McAfee for more on that), and to be honest, I don’t really use antivirus anyhow- it tends to hog system resources more than I’d like, and 90% percent of keeping your system clean comes down to knowing where not to go online, not downloading untrustworthy files, and knowing how to determine when your system has been violated.
Even so, I gave this a shot to see if Norton had made any improvements over previous versions, which I haven’t been impressed with. It IS noticeably better, with a more intuitive interface that is more informative about what it’s doing behind the curtains. Still, it uses more system resources than I’d like, but I can’t expect an application to not use ANY resources, and it IS less taxing than the Trend Micro I experimented with last year.
Why three stars, then? Two reasons:
1.) It still occasionally messes with other apps when it shouldn’t. It likes to hassle programs that want to go online (even if these are trusted or well-known programs), which is annoying.
2.) As I said, I don’t use internet security software, and when I was done trying this one out, I discovered that uninstalling it was as much a pain as ever. Norton gets deep into the system, and one really has to dig deep to root out all traces of its presence when uninstalling. There are a few freeware utilities online for taking care of this, but I’m mystified as to why they don’t provide one of these with the software.