Thread: Norton 360 Version 2.0

FOR MOST PC MAGAZINE READERS, A hands-on security suite like Norton Internet Security 2008 is the best fit. But when you go to set up a less technical person's computer, choose Norton 360 version 2.0 instead. N360 protects systems just as NIS 2008 does and adds features like backup and PC tune-up. Most of all, it works silently, saving you from becoming a tech-sup¬port department.

The suite runs all scans and protective tasks during the computer's idle time and is smart enough to put its work on hold when the system is running on batteries. You can also order it to perform all pending tasks and optionally shut down the computer when finished-a nice touch, as is the handy Quick Tasks menu that now pops up when you hover the mouse over the main win¬dow's four big status panels.

The improved backup facility has new destinations. It includes a feature for backing up multiple computers to a single shared server and offers an optional visual indicator showing files needing backup. Restoring all backed-up files or finding a specific file is also easier, and the Tune¬up module adds a tool to sweep away erroneous and useless Registry information.



As in NIS 2008, Identity Safe captures user¬name and password data for secure sites the first time you visit, protecting stored credentials with a strong master password, and then automates the log-in process. It can also store one or more "cards" of personal information used to fill in Web forms automatically. Other features also found in NIS 2008 include wireless network security, remote monitoring within the local network, and built-in live-chat tech support.

Norton 360's firewall uses the same technol¬ogy as NIS 2008 but is even quieter. The average user won't see it in action at all. It may be a smid¬gen less effective than the NIS 2008 firewall, but it still beats the competition without frightening any newbies. Norton 360's antivirus technology, which is certified by major independent labs, proved only slightly less effective than NIS 2008 on my tests but still quite good. When this tech¬nology is used to block a virus attack, the user sees nothing more than a "Processing threats" message-and even that can be turned off.

Symantec has also updated its add-on pack of second-tier features. The parental-control component, now allows per-user settings-but the facility remains rudimentary. And although the spam filter is supposed to be enhanced, my tests failed to turn up any significant improvements¬filtering junk mail is still the Achilles' heel of this suite. Where it counts, though, Norton 360 ver¬sion 2.0 comes through