Security

Norton AntiVirus 2008: The Right Tool for the Job?

By // January 10, 2008, 10:45 PM PST // erikeckel

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  • Norton AntiVirus Splash Screen

    By Erik Eckel

    Viruses and spyware require strong countermeasures. Numerous options are available to technology professionals and computer users alike, but few are as popular as Norton AntiVirus.

    The well-known antivirus application's performance is tweaked in its 2008 iteration, making it, in my opinion, the Right Tool for the Job. In addition to faster-completing scans, the new edition works more quietly in the background.

    Take a look at the popular program's new 2008 interface and feature set in this TechRepublic photo gallery.

    Read a concise summary of Norton AntiVirus' strengths and weaknesses.

    This menu appears when inserting the Norton AntiVirus 2008 CD.

  • Norton AntiVirus Installation Options

    When installing Norton AntiVirus, default settings are configured to join the application to Norton Community Watch, which helps Symantec monitor security and application data.

    In addition to the Norton Community Watch, the program also elects to scan for infections before installing the product.

  • Norton Account

    Norton Antivirus 2008 requires that users sign in to an existing Norton Account or create a new account. The account is used to track the product's subscription updates and simplify renewal.

  • Norton Account Status

    Upon signing in to an existing account or creating a new Norton Account, users see this screen confirming the antivirus/antispyware update subscription term.

  • Norton Widget

    To help simplify administration and maintenance, a Norton widget is automatically added to the Windows Vista Sidebar.

  • LiveUpdate Progress

    After installing the antivirus software, users must connect to LiveUpdate to download the latest application updates and antivirus and antispyware signatures.

  • Norton Protection Center

    Once Norton AntiVirus 2008 with AntiSpyware is installed, users can access the application's control panel by double-clicking the Norton AntiVirus icon or selecting the program from the Start menu.

    From the Norton Protection Center, users can control every aspect of the powerful security application. From configuring settings to performing scans and updates, the simplified Norton console is easier to navigate than some competing products.

  • Norton AntiVirus 2008 Full System Scan

    Here's how the new system scan window looks in Norton AntiVirus 2008. Everything basically breaks down to three tabs.

    The Results Summary tracks the scans progress and notes how many items have been scanned, how many security risks were detected and the number of items resolved.

  • Norton AntiVirus System Scan Complete

    Upon completing a system scan, Norton displays the total number of items that require attention (and turns the Attention Required tab red to draw attention to remaining steps).

  • Attention Required Tab

    Clicking the Attention Required tab displays this window. Risks are listed and ranked as shown.

  • Attention Required Options

    Users can choose to fix, ignore or exclude the risks Norton AntiVirus 2008 identifies.

  • Risk Properties

    Double-clicking a risk within the Attention Required tab of the Full System Scan window displays this dialog box. Besides listing the risk's name, the antivirus application describes the risk type (a security assessment tool, in this case), ranks its risk level (low) and records any additional dependencies (No known dependencies in this example).

    Most helpful, Norton AntiVirus 2008 also notes the disk location of the offending file.

  • Detailed Results

    Once users have instructed Norton how to handle each risk, the program performs the requested actions and displays the results on the Detailed Results tab.

  • The Norton AntiVirus Tab

    Clicking the Norton AntiVirus tab provides access to three key elements: Tasks and Scans, Settings and Reports & Statistics.

    From the Tasks & Scans menu, users can run or schedule scans and manage quarantined (infected) items.

  • Norton AntiVirus 2008 Settings

    From the Settings section of the Norton AntiVirus tab, users can enable auto protection, perform updates, configure Web browsing settings and manage e-mail and instant messaging options.

  • Reports And Statistics

    From the Reports and Statistics window, users can view activity logs and learn more about specific infections in Norton's online virus encyclopedia.

  • Norton AntiVirus Options

    Clicking the Options link from within the Norton Protection Center window and selecting General Settings opens this menu. Users can enable suspicious activity monitoring (including detection of infections on removable media).

    Microsoft Office (2000 and later) documents can be tracked by checking the last checkbox within this window.

  • E-Mail Protection

    Among the e-mail settings that can be configured is scanning incoming and outgoing messages (enabled by default).

  • Instant Messenger Protection

    Norton AntiVirus 2008 provides effective instant messenger protection, which is configured using this menu. The security software can monitor Yahoo, AOL and MSN IM programs, among others.

  • Internet Worm Protection

    Internet Worm Protection is enabled by default in Norton AntiVirus 2008. Users can choose to trust local networks and configure additional worm controls from this menu.

  • Auto-Protect Settings

    Norton Auto-Protect (active protection against real-time threats) is enabled by default in Norton AntiVirus 2008 with AntiSpyware.

  • Spyware Protection

    Spyware infections have become more debilitating in many office environments than viruses. Fortunately, Norton's antispyware protection is thorough and effective.

    In addition to catching common tracking cookies, users can also instruct Norton AntiVirus 2008 with AntiSpyware to detect hack tools, dialers, adware and other malware programs.

  • Network Security Map

    New to Norton AntiVirus 2008 is the Network Security Map. In addition to detecting other computers, routers and devices on a network, Norton's software provides additional details for specific devices.

    The goal is to help users better understand the communications occurring on their networks, thus simplifying decisions as to which devices might require blocking or firewall protection.

  • Edit Device Details

    Double-clicking a network device within Norton's Network Security Map window displays additional information about that device.

    Here you can see Norton listing NIC information for the host PC.

  • Log Viewer

    Norton's Log Viewer tracks alert, antivirus and worm protection results.

    Here you can see the result of past protection (scan) activities.

  • Log Viewer Connections Information

    Norton AntiVirus 2008 tracks information about connections made to host systems. Here you can see Norton records remote IP addresses, service ports, bytes sent, connection time and more for each connection completed by the host workstation.

  • Norton Alerts

    Norton's Log Viewer also tracks alerts, or overrides users enabled as Norton spotted potentially suspicious activity.

    With thorough log files, a simplified user interface, effective security protection and performance that runs more quickly using less overhead, Norton AntiVirus 2008 with Spyware is the Right Tool for Windows PCs requiring trusted protection.

    Read a concise summary of Norton AntiVirus' strengths and weaknesses.

Norton AntiVirus Splash Screen

By Erik Eckel

Viruses and spyware require strong countermeasures. Numerous options are available to technology professionals and computer users alike, but few are as popular as Norton AntiVirus.

The well-known antivirus application's performance is tweaked in its 2008 iteration, making it, in my opinion, the Right Tool for the Job. In addition to faster-completing scans, the new edition works more quietly in the background.

Take a look at the popular program's new 2008 interface and feature set in this TechRepublic photo gallery.

Read a concise summary of Norton AntiVirus' strengths and weaknesses.

This menu appears when inserting the Norton AntiVirus 2008 CD.

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By Erik Eckel

Erik Eckel owns and operates two technology companies. As a managing partner with Louisville Geek, he works daily as an IT consultant to assist small businesses in overcoming technology challenges and maximizing IT investments. He is also president o...