Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)After running Norton 360 v4 for nearly a year across two Windows 7 PCs, I have been very satisfied with its performance and stability. I was looking forward to upgrading to v5, and extending my subscription.
Functionally, Norton 360 v5 is very similar to v4 with a few additions:
- improved SONAR protection (blocked 100% of virus/malware threats in Dennis Technology test)
- updated Download Insight for even greater protection / scan of downloaded files
- refined user interface
From an effectiveness and performance perspective, I don't think you can get better than Norton 360 v5. It scans transparently in the background, with notification updates that show from the taskbar, without interrupting your work. Unlike other anti-virus software I'd used in the past, I didn't notice significant impact on my work when it's installed and running. When you download a file, the new Insight product will not only scan, but will let you know how many others have safely used the same file. It gives you a good level of confidence.
Just like the prior version, Norton 360 v4 installs easily, keeps out of the way for most operations, and hasn't caused any incompatibility problems for me on two different computers, including a MacBook Pro running Apple's BootCamp and Windows 7. For the price, you get a good value with an extensive set of capabilities including AntiVirus, AntiSpyware, basic Identity Protection, Internet Explorer Password Vault, PC Tuneup and Registry Cleaner, and Backup. The 3-computer edition is a particularly good value if you compare it against at the single-computer price.
The bad news is, if you're a power user you're going to be frustrated with the lack of options available, and even some features you're used to in earlier Norton utilities. The user interface is completely wizard-driven. Even when you try to configure advanced Settings, you are presented with a Wizard interface. You cannot, for example, choose the disks you want to scan in a VirusScan. If you want to scan just a particular volume or folder, you can right-click on it and choose the Scan option from the Norton submenu, but that's not exactly intuitive.
If there is a particular weakness in Norton360, it is the Backup capabilities which are very basic. There is no capability to clone or ghost your entire computer. And, it seems like Norton is trying to bait you into using their online file service (2GB free but only works on Windows). It is definitely not a replacement for more comprehensive backup utilities like Acronis TrueImage.
What will drive you mad, after a year, is the price that Norton dares to charge for a subscription renewal. You're better off coming back to Amazon and re-purchasing Norton 360 for another year.
And, if you choose to buy another copy of Norton 360 - BEWARE - check the number of days remaining on your existing subscription, and don't install / apply the new key until you have no time left. If you install before, the clock resets to 366 days (because Norton now thinks you have 2 different keys, each with their own subscription). I was able to get Symantec support to finally correct this and extend the subscription to include the remaining time from my prior version. But it took over AN HOUR working with their off-shore support by chat. It seemed like the support person was talking to multiple people at the same time, and what should have been a simple 5-minute resolution took much much longer. You wonder if Symantec support is trying to discourage people from using them at all. (I gave up on the phone support after 35 minutes on hold, and then tried chat-based support).
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Norton 360 5.0 1-User/3PCsWhen it comes to your identity, your computer, and your files, you can never have too much protection. Norton 360 provides comprehensive, easy-to-use protection that defends against nearly any threat. It's the industry's fastest, lightest2 all-in-one security solution.Norton 360's PC Tuneup boosts overall performance and keeps your computer running at its best. Automatic online or local backup helps keep your important files and photos safe from loss. Plus, our exclusive Insight technology blocks up to 100% of viruses1 and our Social Media Scanner warns you of unsafe websites and Facebook posts so you can share links without worrying about passing on or receiving threats.Prevent cybercriminals from stealing your identity and money when you surf, shop, socialize, and bank online.
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