Norton Antivirus 2011 Review
Love it or hate it, you already own, or in search of an Antivirus software, you must be already aware of the name ‘Norton’. Actually, Symantec has been in this Antivirus market for so long that, you might think it is very hard to come up with a new version every year. However, you will never know that when you look at the 2011 version of its Antivirus software. It seems to continue to evolve and also includes heaps of new features. Only recently we reviewed the Symantec Norton 360 All-in-one Security Software and was amazed by how much things had changed since the last Norton edition. While that software got a good recommendation from us for its efficiency, abundance of features and good management of resources too, the 2011 Antivirus also has a few neat surprises tucked under its sleeve, but at the same time makes sure that the core functionality that made the Norton 360 a big success.
In a recent world wide survey that involved thousands of people, Symantec found that about two thirds of us have been victims of cyber crime and this is hardly surprising considering that the company itself has managed to block over three billion threats with the help of its Norton products in the year 2009 alone. Norton AntiVirus 2011 has managed to offer a similar premium networking and PC protection akin to its sibling, Norton Internet Security, then again is devoid of some vital Web protection traits that shouldn’t really be missed by users. The Norton 2011 Antivirus Software continues to prove why its near-instantaneous virus definition and internet-ready features are still considered the best among the lot with its rapid install. Read on to find out more.
Quick and Easy Installation:
Installation of the Symantec Norton Antivirus 2011 is a breeze and done extremely fast. It is completely automated and nothing much to mess around. With different options being provided it is a simple straightforward task of clicking the install button and just sit back and watch. Just a few minutes after you have clicked in the ‘agree and install’ icon, you are ready to activate and register the software. Unfortunately, the software activation is a slight roadblock, as there is no way to close this activation window and it will remain to be on your screen until you gave in and gave it an email ID to tag the serial on to it. This might get people pissed off, but we guess Norton make their point very clear by not providing an exit button in the browser’s window wherein the label evidently says “Complete Activation and Register NOW” conveys their idea across.
Well, it does need some definition update for the sake of peak protection, but it usually does this update only during the idle time. You can also force a full update on installation and in that case, the product requests a reboot soon after the installation is done, in order to complete the task of removing all of the active threats. In case Norton does not start correctly in a system, the One Click Support screen automatically appears with a magical recommendation to fix the issue and in most cases, it actually works.
Interface:
The user interface of Norton Antivirus 2011 Software is very well designed, intuitive and responsive. At the top of the main window, you will be able to see the status of your computer protection, network protection and Global map. One thing we really loved here is the ability to turn various features off for a certain amount of time simply by clicking a switch which turns the feature off. Well this comes in handy when you want to download stuff that you trust, but generally gets flagged as virus, this is when you can turn your anti-virus off (not something that we would recommend), but then again it feels good to have the choice open when you really want to grab a file and have something important to do with it.
Hassle-less and Informative:
While on one hand Norton tries its best not to hassle the user by staying in the background, on the other hand, if you wish to get details on its activities, you can dig as deep as you want. But, be warned as these charts can be overwhelming. Click over ‘Performance’, and the main window flips over 180 degrees, revealing a chart of CPU and memory use on the back, that has a record of Norton activity for several months. By clicking on any of the peaks on the chart, you can find the process that was hogging the resources at that time or point at icons in the monthly log for details. In this page, you will also be able to get access to the list of application rating. The application rating list is nothing but information from Norton’s database about each of the program that is found in your system. Having said that, most users will not probably want to dig into these performance charts, unless and until there is a performance issue. Although it may not be super productive, it is nice to have a few pieces of eye candy, even if it is in your security software. In this 2011 edition, Norton steps in proactively when it detects that a particular application is hogging the resources. You will find a small pop up that identifies the program that causes issues, with a link to detailed performance information. Overall, it is a nice feature.
Get all you info:
The Symantec Norton Antivirus 2011 has a brand new active area at the bottom of the main screen. The AntiVirus 2011 Dashboard demonstrates your PC’s current security status together with an interactive map that displays the status of security of worldwide network. To begin with, it displays an interactive world map with moving lights that represent malware stopped by a Norton Installation. Just click over it to get a “crawl” that contains details about the latest threats or, just click over a continent to and just shift to a city by city report. This is not all, it has more to it than what eyes can meet. If you have a Norton Backup account, you will be able to set the panel to monitor your available online backup space and also track the most recent backup. In future though, the software plans to roll in access to other web specific security elements, which makes Norton Antivirus a hub for controlling all of them.
Socialise:
This Norton 2011 antivirus suite also links the Norton Safe Web to the free Facebook app that scrutinizes the safety of your News Feed links. You can even configure it to automatically scan or even generate a facebook post in order to share the results of your scan with your pals. Just key in your login details and the AntiVirus scrutinizes your wall for potential dicey links that could have been posted by loutish friends or spammers. Currently Facebook is the only supported site, but Symantec are actively looking to expand to other networking sites such as Twitter. The good news is that, this feature is not just limited to the Norton users as your friends will also be able to install the apps, if they wish to.
Computer Protection:
A full scan of a standard system takes about fifty minutes, which is twice as long as what is average. But, if you first run an application ratings scan and identify the good known programs and applications, you will be able to cut down the scan time to just over a couple of minutes.
And otherwise, this scanning for the good known program usually is done during the idle time. So, as a new addition to this 2011 edition, a Norton Insight Network displays the up to the minute stats on the number of files identified as a good one or bad with the help of the input from the Norton community. Similarly, there is also the new reputation scan that examines all of the files on your disk and offers your reports on three major stats of trust level, age and prevalence. The more widespread and older files are taken to be safer then the new and the uncommon ones.
Computer Protection allows you to do a quick, full or custom scan of your system’s drives, which can take anything from a minute to an hour and this totally depends on the size of your drive and how fast your system is. Any of the detected threats end up being highlighted and quarantined. There is a little slowdown while performing this scan. You will be able to watch HD videos and play simple games while the Norton Antivirus 2011 chugs away silently in the background. Even better, the suite remembers the files already scanned, rescanning only files that have been modified and this significantly accelerates subsequent scans.
System Impact:
A good Antivirus program should not only protect your computer from Viruses but also not slow down the Performance of your computer too much by using up your computer’s resources. Norton 2011 Antivirus Software uses only 10.8 MB of system memory and it adds only 8.0 seconds to the test PC’s reboot time. The suite requires 245MB of the hard drive’s space for installation, which is Norton’s worst result this year. However, the software adds only 0.068s on average to launch a web browser and it adds only 0.19s on average to convert a MP3 file to four other file types.
Independent Lab Ratings:
As far as the lab ratings go, Symantec Norton has been consistently receiving a VB100% award from the Virus Bulletin. The product has also managed to get certification from both ICSA labs and the West coast labs for virus detection and removal and the West coast also adds a number of other extra checkmark certifications. Norton got a ‘Advanced +’, which is the highest rating possible from AV Comparatives for on demand malware removal and ‘Advanced’ rating for the proactive detection of any new malware. This was proved again in our tests too, where the software managed to outscore in removal but not when it came to blocking.
AV Comparatives and AV Test ran a special real world test last year and in the dynamic test, Norton and Kaspersky Internet Security 2010 were the only software that managed to receive an ‘Advanced +’ rating. And in other test, where a dozen of the leading Antivirus software were challenged to protect the test systems from the real world current threats over a period of a couple of months, Norton topped the list by detecting most of them, and PC Tools Internet Security 2010 managed to secure the second place for most thorough protection. Finally, on the rating for ease of use, success at repairing of malware infestations and overall protection, Norton, Kaspersky and Panda Internet Security 2010 shared the top spot.
Anti-Malware:
The Norton Antivirus 2011’s full antivirus scan was smooth in our malware infested system and in most cases, the product treated all threats that it found and just reported its success at the end of it; we like that. And, in the case of the low risk threats, which when removed needs closing of the active programs, Norton asks permission first. Most of the time, the system will need a reboot once the scan is done, to complete the process of cleanup. Below the results display, you will find a tiny note reading “If you think that there are still risks, click here”. On clicking it, it will take you to the download page of the Norton Power Eraser, which is a tool that performs a much more aggressive scan than the Norton Antivirus itself. While this is capable of removing the threats, there are also great chances that it will flag valid files as malicious. However, Symantec also points out that any of the false positives will be the uncommon files as the Norton Insight whitelists the known good files widely used.
Detection and Dealing of Malware:
The Norton Antivirus 2011 detects 89% of the assorted threats matching the Panda Antivirus Pro 2011 and Spyware Doctor with Antivirus 2010, but the Norton product was much more efficient than the other two when it comes to completely removing what it had detected. It managed to clean up almost every trace for about half of the threats that it found and also achieved the highest malware removal score. The software had a Scareware, which is rouge antivirus, detection rate of 78%. Though there were four other products that detected more of it, Norton seemed to the most effective and came close to the top scareware removers like the Ad-Adware Pro Internet Security 8.3 and Malwarebyte’s AntiMalware 1.46. In another test done with the Commercial Keyloggers, Norton again managed a good score, but again was not the top notch. While Norton caught 86%, the Webroot Antivirus with Spy Sweeper 2011and Spyware Doctor caught 93%. Overall, as far as the malware is concerned, the Norton is definitely in the winner circle, but not quite on the top. Again, it does an excellent job in cleaning up the malware that it found.
Internet Protection:
The download intelligence of Norton automatically evaluates any of the file that you download with your browser. This latest 2011 edition extends this protection to files that intrude through many emails, chat and even peer to peer clients as well the popular download managers. In case Norton detects that the file that you just downloaded is malicious, then it just wipes it out sans any comment. This silent elimination will be deceiving as you might expect some sort of notification. While trying to download some malware, the Download Insight wiped off 70% of it, which is acceptable, but not very convincing, considering that Webroot Internet Security Complete 2011, which blocks the known malicious URLs as well as the malware downloads, got a pleasing 84%.
There is also email protection, that scans you inbox for dodgy code, and browser protection that stops the shady online characters from exploiting weakness in your browser. With the expansion of Norton 2011’s browser support that go on to include Opera and Google Chrome you might not have to put up with alien browsers. It also checks the security of your wireless network depending on the encryption strength. So fear not even if you possess a weak Wi-Fi Norton helps with boosting your security levels with some simple easy-to-follow guidelines.
Real Protection:
The real time protection of Norton kicked in the minute we opened a folder containing malware sample files and by the time it finished opening, three quarters of the malware had been wiped off. The software also did an excellent job in blocking of malware installation, but we would say that the other did a better job. The blocking installation of the Commercial Keyloggers is less significant. After all, a spy sitting in front of you system installing the software, can simply turn off your antivirus. We feel that an Antivirus software should be able to pull up it socks and keep rootkits from getting a toehold on the system; which is a lot simpler than simply prying them loose after they have managed to dig in. Norton Antivirus has SONAR together with tons of other technologies that helps in active prevention of malicious activity. And we are sure that the few malware samples that managed to slip off would very well be prohibited before it could cause any real harm. However, we are still more impressed with the software that did a great job in actively preventing installation at the first place.
Additional Firewall Capabilities:
As a shocker to the system protection community, the Trend Micro Titanium Maximum Security 2011 omitted the firewall protection that is usually found on the suite and instead opted to rely on the Windows Firewall and also a collection if “Firewall Boosters”. However, as a contrast, Norton has leaned in the opposite direction with their Antivirus 2011 including all of the intrusion prevention and vulnerability blocking technology that can be found in the complete suite. Simply add the Windows Firewall, and the Norton Antivirus can be considered to be a mini suite on its own. When the Network protection functionality was tested using the Core Impact penetration tool, the software actively blocked all of the exploits like the Kaspersky Internet Security 2011. Instead of confusing the user with all the details, the product just exhibits a transient popup that reports that it simply has impeded an attack along with providing the details of the same. In most cases, the details have exactly the same name along with the nature of the exploit.
Network Protection:
The package even has a network map that aids in remote monitoring of the other Norton installations on your networking.
You will find a somewhat same feature in the antivirus suite of Panda’s and just like that application, the map in this suite is also strictly informational. On the contrary the same network map of BitDefender Antivirus Pro 2011 remotely allows actual management of rest of the systems. Overall, this is a very pleasing additional feature treat.
Support:
Norton AntiVirus 2011 comes with a year’s subscription to Symantec’s online updates, which updates your virus definitions to cover any new threats. You also get access to 24×7 chat and phone support, in case your system is well and truly stuffed up. It sports a prominent Support link on its dashboard. This menu allows for viewing of static help, check for Antivirus version updates, update yourself on tutorials or request direct help from Symantec. Norton’s One Click Support performs a quick scan of your computer for known problems before putting you in touch with a Symantec representative. You can also search the Knowledgebase directly from the Norton 2011 program. Overall, Norton provides many different support options.
Verdict:
The Symantec Norton Antivirus 2011, is beyond doubts a top rated suite in which the Norton Insight handles the toughest of threats like a pro. The suite comes loaded with couple of extraordinary bonus features, and of note is the complete intrusion prevention feature. On its boon side, it has quick installation, automated help, high rated independent lab ratings, impressive malware score, file checking from web, email, IM and heaps more. The effective intrusion prevention system, proactive protection warnings and interactive threat map are also worth mentioning. On the flip side, it fails in approaches like blocking malware and couple of malware removal tests. While the information display it gives is informative, it was unduly complex for a few users. Then again, relative beginners might face not much issues with running AntiVirus 2011 as majority of the tedious tasks are done by default with just minimal inputs expected from users. More advanced users still have a wealth of tools at their disposal for securing their system just as they wish, and can even fine-tune performance by investigating which applications are taking up valuable system resources. Overall, the Norton Antivirus 2011suite is a top notch product with a very impressive set of extras. You will not go wrong with one of these.
Symantec Norton Antivirus 2011 Software – Technical Specification Table
| Lab | Symantec |
| Software name | Symantec Norton Antivirus 2011 |
| Suite type | Antivirus |
| License Type | Complete package |
| License validation period | One year |
| License quantity | Three users |
| Supported operating system | Microsoft Windows XP (32-bit) Home/Professional/ Tablet PC/Media Center (32-bit) with Service Pack 2 or later Microsoft Windows Vista (32-bit and 64-bit) Starter/ Home Basic/Home Premium/Business/Ultimate Microsoft Windows 7 (32-bit and 64-bit) Starter/ Home Basic/Home Premium/Professional/Ultimate |
| Minimum Hardware Requirements | 300 MHz for Microsoft Windows XP, 1 GHz for Microsoft Windows Vista/Microsoft Windows 7 256MB of RAM 300MB of available hard disk space CD-ROM or DVD drive (if not installing via electronic download) |
| Browser Plug-In Support | Microsoft Internet Explorer® 6.0 or later (32-bit only) Mozilla® Firefox® 3.0 and later (32-bit only) |
| Core protection | Blocks viruses, spyware, Trojan horses, worms, bots, and rootkits Defends against hackers with two-way firewall Bot detection blocks the automated programs cybercriminals use to take control of your PC, access your private information, and use your computer to send out spam and launch attacks on other PCs. Worm protection safeguards your PC against fast-spreading Internet worms and prevents you from accidentally passing them on to others. Rootkit detection finds and removes deeply buried crimeware that can hide other types of threats and allow cybercriminals to take control of your PC. |
| Advanced Protection | Guards against Web attacks Stops threats unrecognized by traditional antivirus techniques Updates automatically, offers easy-to-use features and includes free customer support during your subscription period. |
| Networking | Helps secure and monitor your home network Automatically secures your PC when connecting to public wireless networks |
| Identity Protection | Norton Download Insight warns you if a downloaded file or application is dangerous before you install or run it on your PC. Norton File Insight gives you detailed information about the files found on your PC, including where the file came from (the website URL) and if it can be trusted. Email and instant message monitoring scans email and IMs for suspicious link and other potentially dangerous attachments. Vulnerability protection stops cybercriminals from using security holes (vulnerabilities) in applications to sneak viruses or spyware on to your PC. |
| Protection System | Proactive performance alerts tell you when an application is slowing down your PC, so you can make changes to improve performance. Norton Insight identifies and scans only files at risk for fewer, shorter scans and the fast scan speeds. Norton System Insight shows you how files and applications affect your PC’s performance to help you keep your PC performing at its best. Silent mode puts alerts and noncritical updates on hold when you are watching movies or playing games in full-screen on your PC. Smart scheduler runs scans and updates only when you’re not using your PC. |
| Pulse update | Provides updates every 5-15 minutes that protect against the latest threats without slowing down your computer. |
| SONAR 3 Behavioral Protection | Monitors your PC for suspicious behaviour to quickly detect new online threats. |
| Backup and Restore | No |
| Reputation service | Instantly checks where files came from and how long they’ve been around to identify and stop new crimeware faster than other, less sophisticated security software. |
| Other Key features | Antivirus Antispyware Antirootkit Pulse Updates Bot protection Network mapping and monitoring Norton Reputation Service SONAR 3 Behavior Protection |
| Support | FREE 24 x 7 support Norton Control Center organizes program controls and settings, and gives you one-click access to web-based Norton services on one easy-to-read screen. Norton Ongoing Protection automatically downloads software updates and new features in the background as they become available during your subscription period, without interrupting you or slowing down your PC. Monthly report tells you what Norton AntiVirus has done in the previous month to keep you safe from threats. Power saver settings help s to optimize your laptop’s battery life by putting off noncritical activities until your computer is plugged in. |
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