Norton Antivirus 2006 can help protect your system against most known (and some unknown) malicious programs, including viruses, macro viruses, worms, Trojan horses, and adware.

A new pre-install scan feature performs a quick scan of your computer. When the installation is finished, Norton Antivirus performs a more complete scan of your system.

By default, Norton Antivirus scans incoming and outgoing email and email attachments, as well as files transferred via instant messaging software, including AOL, MSN, and Yahoo! Instant Messenger. You can set Norton Antivirus to automatically delete suspicious files, or quarantine them for you to check later. Norton Antivirus also automatically blocks a number of annoying online applications, including spyware and adware, and monitors JavaScripts and Visual Basic scripts for suspicious activity.

Several scanning options are available, which you can customize to suit your needs. The program automatically runs a Quick Scan each time you download new virus definitions. You can schedule full scans of your system (via Windows Task Scheduler) to match the way you use your computer. The real-time scan function automatically performs scans as you use your computer, although it cannot detect spyware or adware.

Unlike some competing products, Norton Antivirus doesn't include a firewall, but the new Internet Worm Protection feature performs some firewall-like functions, by preventing your system from receiving most worms and similar malicious files. This provides minimal protection from worms, which can raid your address book for contacts and spread themselves to colleagues, family, and friends before you even know what hit you. Unlike a real firewall, however, the Internet Worm Protection Feature does not block outgoing mail, so if a worm manages to infect your system, there's nothing to prevent it from carrying out its mission.

The LiveUpdate feature automatically downloads and installs the latest virus definitions to protect you from new, known viruses. The purchase price includes 12 months of virus definition and other updates. Renewal subscriptions are currently $24.95 for 12 months.

The Norton Antivirus 2006 program is easy to install and set up, even if you've never used an antivirus program before.

Pro: Easy to set up and use. High customizable. Improved virus detection features, and a new Internet Worm detection feature.
Con: Pricey. The installation and full scan processes are a little slow. Can't detect spyware in all scanning modes. Doesn't include a firewall.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Symantec
555 International Way
Springfield, OR 97477
1-541-335-5000
http://www.symantec.com