User Reviews

1. Review Date: 2009-11-24

   I admit I am a relative computer novice, but over the years I've used McAfee, Norton, Trend Micro, BitDefender--and back to Norton in 2009 after using Trend Micro for the previous 3 years. Norton 2009 had a much smaller "footprint" and ran effortlessly in the background, regularly updating for viruses and blocking suspicious emails, websites, etc. So when Norton Internet Security 2010 came up on Vine I jumped at the chance to get it. I think I like it even better than 2009; definitely does not slow down my system and installation was simple. I would give this 5 stars for sure (I run my PC on Windows XP).
   
   User: D. P. Taylor
   Rating:
   Summary: Great internet security suite!
   Helpful Votes: 0
   Total Votes: 0
   

2. Review Date: 2009-11-23

   I don't know about anyone else, but Norton has always been a reliable name in my computer-centric life. Back when I had a 286/386 box which had something like 25megs on the harddrive, Norton Utilities kept the computer running smoothly and easily. There were powerful tools in its tool kit. Those tools have remained just as powerful relatively, as the power of the PCs they serviced ramped up enormously.
   
   As I understand the differences between the Norton products, its about how all intensive they are. Norton 360 for example covers the whole PC footprint. Nortin Internet Security (which is also included in Norton 360) is just the security side, meant to keep the performance high while providing the protection you need.
   
   NIS installed very easily. It took 4 minutes or so and we were live on a year-old Windows Vista system. System details aren't right at my fingertips, but the system was not cutting edge the day it was bought. Didn't matter, the application loaded quickly and cleanly, just as good as I could hope.
   
   The software: The core protection areas include Virus/Spyware/Trojan horses, worms, bots and rootkits of all kinds, a firewall is installed that doesn't slow down internet downloads and web page launches. It also, if you elect which I did not, will help to screen email from spam, set parental controls in place, monitor your home network, help provide identity protection. Additional services that you can elect include removal of unsafe websites (ones that are known for phishing schemes, removing of same from search results and backup/restore capabilities. And, thanks Norton for this, the ability to tuneup the PC and optimize performance.
   
   The review: This software is very easy to use, very intuitive. The help menus and dialogue details are well thought out. The options providing include Security Status Indicator (which gives summaries of different tasks and how well protected you are during those tasks (marked as Secure, Attention or At Risk), Norton Tasks, CPU Usage, Performance gauges and Application Ratings. Norton provides a subsystem called Insight that analyzes downloaded files to let you know if you can trust them as well as providing up to the minute (so they say) protection from real time threats.
   
   Using each of these is very simple. I installed this on my mother's machine to whom I have personally explained how to use a mouse multiple times. She had no problem following the menus and liked the product.
   
   While I like the Internet Security product, I think I prefer the full Suite of Norton products. This one did exactly what it claimed it would do, did it quickly, simply and cleanly. Can't really find anything to complain about except that some of the best Norton products weren't in this lighter version. If you need those products, look at Norton 360. For Internet Security though, this one is excellent!
   
   User: H. J. Spivack
   Rating:
   Summary: Norton, a version that will do what you need and not slow you down
   Helpful Votes: 0
   Total Votes: 0
   

3. Review Date: 2009-11-22

   I've used Norton on and off for years, and was often frustrated with it and switched to others. Now, they've got it right -- small memory usage, quietly in the background, and does everything right.
   
   User: Rebus
   Rating:
   Summary: Finally got it right
   Helpful Votes: 1
   Total Votes: 1
   

4. Review Date: 2009-11-20

   I switched back to Norton from their main competitor in 2009. The 2009 version of NIS was a real breakthrough for Norton: It was much faster and easier to use than previous versions.
   
   So when my 2009 subscription expired, I upgraded to NIS 2010. As far as I can tell, the 2 versions are very similar. I've not run into any problems with either version.
   
   I don't see any significant differences in performance or functionality between the 2 versions. Note: Anti-spam is supposed to be much improved in the 2010 version, but since my ISP does my spam filtering for me, I haven't tried the 2010 anti-spam.
   
   I highly recommend this product.
   
   User: My Cat's Name Is Bernie
   Rating:
   Summary: Seems very similar to 2009 version
   Helpful Votes: 0
   Total Votes: 0
   

5. Review Date: 2009-11-20

   I was surprised and pleased to discover, that besides an intuitive interface, Norton Internet Security 2010 seems to go out of its way to make it easy for the user to educate him/herself about the various threats that the application purports to defend against.
   
   The program includes both LAN and WAN network monitoring. Firstly, it examines the network security setup and informs the user whether or not it is secure, and if not, how to make it so. I was pleased to learn that my wireless home network was indeed as secure as I had thought; namely, a well-encrypted WPA-2 security setup that was up to date. Again, Norton offered to educate me on why this was important. Also included in the network portion of the suite, is a "network security map" that enables me to see the other computers in my wireless network, as well as determine the degree to which they are protected. Each individual computer however, must also be running the Norton software.
   
   On a broader scale, Norton puts considerable effort into monitoring my comings and goings on the WAN that I am part of, namely the Internet. The program integrates a number of security technologies having to do with staying safe on the Web. It has an anti-spyware component, as well as a "safe-surfing" element that also incorporates an anti-phishing analysis, rating, and notification system for web sites. The "smart firewall" cloaks the ports on my computer while I am surfing, and detects any port scanning attempts. If I expect to be away from my computer for awhile, I can set Norton to block all network traffic (to and from my machine). The rules that the firewall uses are separated into two categories, general and program, the former obviously being rules that are designed to recognize and block generic malware behaviors, and the latter being rules that apply to the programs that I have installed, and the ways in which they connect to the network and the Internet. The rules for both categories can be modified, or excepted, by the user. The documentation notes that some sites and/or programs might exhibit behaviors that are similar to those of malware, so they can be specifically allowed by IP address or name. Conversely, the user can also identify and permanently block specific computers.
   
   As expected, the Norton Internet Security 2010 suite includes a robust anti-virus component. Besides updating the definition database quite frequently, it also has something that it calls "Insight Protection," which is just Symantec's name for a community-based virus suspect reporting system. Basically, it's a system where individual users watch for new and emerging threats, and report them not only to Symantec, but also to one another. Norton calls this a "cloud" of definitions. Much like the seller ratings on Amazon or Ebay, individuals that participate earn their reputations and are given ratings and labels that reflect their level of expertise and/or helpfulness in the fight to overcome the malware writers.
   
   All in all, I found this program to be cutting edge, and extremely user friendly.
   
   User: Patrick Reeves
   Rating:
   Summary: Good - and easy to use
   Helpful Votes: 0
   Total Votes: 0
   

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Editorial Reviews

Norton Internet Security 2010 delivers fast and light comprehensive online threat protection. It guards your PC, network, online activities and your identity with innovative, intelligent detection technologies optimized to combat today's aggressive, rapid-fire attacks. Improved Norton Safe Web technology blocks Internet threats before they can infect your PC. So you can browse, buy and bank online with confidence. It even warns you of unsafe web sites right in your search results. Plus, unlike other Internet security suites, it provides easy-to-understand threat and performance information to help you avoid future threats and keep your PC running fast.

Fast and light comprehensive online threat protection. Click to enlarge.

Norton Internet Security 2010 Key Benefits

• Stops online identity theft, viruses, spyware, bots, Trojans and more--Guards your PC, online activities and your identity with comprehensive award-winning protection against all types of Internet threats.
  
  
• Stops attacks before they get on your PC--Blocks hackers from accessing your PC and prevents dangerous software that could harm your computer or steal your identity from automatically downloading onto your PC when you surf the web.
  
  
• Delivers clear performance and threat explanations--Tells you how files and applications affect PC performance, what actions threats have taken, and where they came from to help you avoid future attacks.
  
  
• Identifies unsafe web sites right in your search results--Provides safety ratings for web sites listed in your search results so you can avoid visiting sites that are likely to cause problems.
  
  
• Uses intelligence-driven technology for faster, fewer, shorter scans--Identifies and scans only files at risk to detect and eliminate dangerous software.

Norton IdentitySafe On-the-Go lets you access your most up-to-date log-ins and passwords on any Norton Internet Security 2010 protected PC. Click to enlarge.

Norton Safe Web identifies unsafe and dangerous web sites right in your search results. Click to enlarge.

Norton Insight scans only files at risk for fewer, shorter scans and the fastest scanning times in the industry. Click to enlarge.

Download Insight warns you of dangerous downloads before you install and use them. Click to enlarge.

Maps and monitors your home wireless network so you can see everything connected to it. Click to enlarge.

Norton Internet Security 2010 Features

Intelligent Protection

• New--Norton IdentitySafe On-the-Go lets you access your most up-to-date log-ins and passwords on any Norton Internet Security 2010 protected PC.
• New--Norton Safe Web identifies unsafe and dangerous web sites right in your search results.
• New--Analyzes downloads, files and applications and tells you if they can be trusted before you install and use them.
• New--Parental Controls give you insight into your kids' online activities so you can teach them good Internet habits and help keep them safe.
• New--Professional-strength antispam protection uses the same technology as many large businesses to effectively block unwanted emails.
• Improved--Norton Protection System delivers multiple layers of security that work together to provide comprehensive Internet threat protection.
• Improved--Norton IdentitySafe offers one-click log-ins and automatic form filling to prevent key loggers from stealing your information as you type.
• Improved--Vulnerability Protection guards security holes in your operating system, applications, browsers and browser plug-ins.
• Improved--Detects and gets rid of even the hardest to find Internet Explorer and Firefox cookies.
• Improved--Norton Bootable Recovery Tool repairs, restores and boots severely infected, unbootable PCs.
• Industry-leading anti-phishing technology authenticates safe sites and protects you from visiting unsafe and fraudulent web sites.
• Smart Firewall stops hackers and makes intelligent security decisions for you.

Engineered for Speed

• Improved--Proven fastest, lightest security suite for protection that won't slow you down, get in your way, or swallow up system resources.
• Improved--Norton Insight scans only files at risk for fewer, shorter scans and the fastest scanning times in the industry.
• Uses less memory than any other security suite.
• Won't slow you down when you download, copy, or edit files, or install applications.

Combats today's rapid-fire attacks

• New--Norton Insight Network uses Symantec's global security network to provide real-time protection from the latest-breaking threats.
• New--SONAR 2 (Symantec Online Network for Advanced Response) uses online intelligence and proactive monitoring to detect and stop new threats.
• Norton Pulse Updates provide rapid mini updates every 5 to 15 minutes for up-to-the-minute local protection against the latest threats.
• Prevents bots from taking control of your PC.
• Finds and removes rootkits.
• Prevents Internet worms from getting on your PC.
• Tells you which application processes currently running on your PC are safe and which are at risk.
• Norton Bootable Recovery Tool provides a deep level of cleaning for heavily infected PCs.

Provides info on threats, downloads and files

• New--Norton Download Insight warns you of dangerous downloads before you install and use them.
• New--Norton Threat Insight tells you if threats were detected, what actions the threats attempted to perform on your system, and how Norton Internet Security eliminated those threats.
• New--Norton File Insight tells you where files and applications came from, if they're trusted, and how they may be impacting your PC's speed.

Helps keep your PC running at top speed

• New--Norton System Insight helps you improve and maintain PC and application performance.
• New--Automatic and on-demand application optimization improves application performance.
• New--Norton System Insight gives you an overview of recent events on your PC such as installs, downloads, scans and detected threats, so you can see what events may have impacted your PC's performance.
• New--Norton System Insight resource usage graphs help you pinpoint what's causing your PC to slow down.
• New--Tells you how files and applications impact your PC's performance.

Protection without disruption

• New--Automatically delays product updates and other tasks if you're watching TV or burning CDs/DVDs.
• New--Power Saver Settings help extend portable PC battery life by putting off power-intensive activities until your computer is plugged in.
• Smart Scheduler conducts scans and other tasks only when your PC is idle.
• Automatically switches to Silent Mode (no alerts, updates or scans) when watching movies or playing games in full-screen mode.

Additional Features

• New--Monthly report tells you what Norton Internet Security has done in the past month to protect you and your PC.
• Free 24x7 support by phone, email, live chat or online knowledge base.
• Automatically scans emails and IMs for infections.
• Maps and monitors your home wireless network so you can see everything connected to it--even unauthorized visitors like the PC next door.
• Automatically downloads protection updates and new product features as they become available during your service period.
• With the Norton Automated Renewal Service your yearly subscription can be automatically renewed for uninterrupted protection.

Product Details

1. Norton Internet Security 2010 delivers fast and light comprehensive online threat protection, guarding your PC, network, and your identity without slowing you down
2. Gives you greater insight into downloaded applications and files by telling you where they came from, if they can be trusted, and how they may impact your PC’s resources and performance
3. Warns you of dangerous web sites and suspicious sellers so you can surf and shop online with confidence
4. Stops online identity theft, viruses, spyware, bots and more--guard your PC, online activities, and your identity against all types of Internet threats
5. Proactively blocks hackers and prevents dangerous software from downloading to your computer when you surf the web