Norton Internet Security 2007

With so many companies now offering free protection against internet-based security threats, there are only a couple of reasons why you might want to fork out for software: complete security and a simple-to-manage package. Can the latest version of Norton Internet Security make the grade?

Features
We’re well used to seeing security suites combine firewalls and anti-virus software to protect us, and Norton adds some more recent problems to its books, such as phishing, pharming and rootkits. However, it’s what it leaves out that’s most telling: no anti-spam, no internet filtering and no built-in back-up software. These can be purchased from Symantec separately, but to our minds that defeats the object of a security suite.

Performance
Symantec’s record speaks for itself, and the company continues to have a virtually unblemished history of picking up viruses and other internet problems, and dealing with them before they have a chance to cause problems to the general public. The 2007 version works away in the background to protect you from the worst online threats, though it’s a shame it isn’t more comprehensive.

Ease of use
It seems every new version of Norton that comes out pares the interface back even further and this year’s is little different. The system tray icon has been replaced by a larger button, which essentially does the same job of telling you whether you’re protected or not. Click on it and you get a bit more information, which you can explore further if the urge takes you. This makes it ridiculously easy to use – should an issue flash up at you, there’ll probably be a one-click option to fix and forget about it.

Value for money
We say this a lot in our security reviews, but if you wanted to put together a comparable security suite of your own, you could do so far cheaper than this. What suites like Norton offer is a coherent interface across all your security programs and the promise they’ll work seamlessly together. However, this version doesn’t have as many features as some similarly priced rivals, leaving it short of the grade. For the price you get a 12-month licence to use the software and receive updates. If you want to use the software after this you’ll need to renew it.