Most users love the protection security software package gives them but hate the way it drags down their regular activities. Good news: Norton Internet Security 2009 affects operation less than any suite I’ve tested. Most security tasks run in the background during idle time. My performance tests confirms that Norton slows systems fewer than the rest.

The big independent antivirus testing labs all certify the effectiveness of Symantec’s antivirus technology; those who have tested the 2009 version find it better. It scans files on demand, on access, and during idle time. A full scan tool 50 minutes on my basic test system, but the Norton Insight have cuts down that to 5 minutes on future scans.

Norton scored more effective than other suites in the malware removal test, and it was typically thorough. In the malware blocking test it got rid of all but among the malware samples before they launched. Overall it did more proficient than all the other suites and standalone antispyware products that I have tested with my current collection of malware. Norton’s phishing protection works the same as that of the 2008 edition and continues to be highly accurate.

The firewall is tempered agains spyware, and it easily passed my barrage of Web-based attacks. And while I attacked a trial system utilizing the Core Impact penetration tool, it stopped all the sample exploits.

The Network Security map shows all the devices connected to your network and reports whether your wireless network is protected. From the map you may remotely monitor other computers on the network that are also running Norton. And you’ll be able to lock out particular devices by setting their trust level to restricted.

Spam protection, nevertheless, is worthless. In testing, it tossed away more than a third of my valid personal mail into the junk e-mail folder and missed nearly 30% of undeniable spam. Do not trust in this feature.

Norton’s Identity Safe is a password-protected way to store credentials and log on automatically. It as well fills Web forms with the predefined personal data, all protected by a strong master password.

This is definitely the slimmest, most unobstrusive Norton ever, yet its protection is the superior where it counts. Despite a couple of weaknesses, it is the best all arounf security suite I’ve ever seen.

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