Symantec says it's done away with version
releases, so the latest Norton 360 can only be called '2013' in so much as it
comes under the 'Fall 2013' product release schedule, which includes the
'lesser' AntiVirus and Internet Security offerings. For those keeping
particular version score, though, my installation currently tells me it's
v.20.1.1.2.
Norton
360
For what it's worth, though, those who
already make use of 360 (or another product) should quickly notice when their
valid subscription allows their version to be updated. There's a simple new
look, with mere hints of Windows 8 styling - and Symantec is quick to note
compatibility.
However, the focus of the new launches is
threefold: Safer, Simpler, Optimized. Symantec's latest concerns for 'safer'
are with social networking scams. To defend against this, Symantec deploys Scam
Insight (which judges sites you may be directed to based on each site's age,
user numbers and the information it requests), along with its cloud-secured
Identity Safe solution, something which users of solutions such as LastPass
will be familiar with. On top of this, 360 maintains Symantec's 'five-layer
protection', monitoring threats under the labels of Network, Reputation,
Behavior, File and Repair.
The
focus of the new launches is threefold: Safer, Simpler, Optimized.
In terms of effective defense, Symantec
claims numbers from AV Test and Dennis Technology Labs, experts in threat
testing, back things up. Having looked into this, the figures are impressive,
but seem to relate to the previous 'release' (albeit using an earlier version
of the same anti-virus engine). In any case, 360 now being version-less, the
highest score of virus detection and 100% zero-day attacks delivered in Dennis
Technology Labs' tests is reassuring to say the least. 'Simpler' refers to some
useful tweaks. Such things as the aforementioned, having-a-valid-subscription
that ensures you have the latest releases. Or it no longer being necessary to
reboot for updates – beneficial for maintaining battery life in laptops and
mobile devices - and that Identity Safe for a single sign-in. Symantec has also
made it rather easy to manage your devices from the web - a boon for those who
make use of their multiple licenses. The interface, like the desktop UI, is
very easy to get to grips with and, as any good security solution should, amply
adds to your peace of mind and sense of control. Is three the magic number?
That just leaves 'Optimized' then, and here
Symantec has combined hardware and software know-how to deliver a swift as well
as secure and straightforward solution. So not only are scans now smarter in
the sense they can prioritize certain file types (.exe over .txt, for example),
but the software can utilize multi-core processors and SSD drives, to plough
through your file systems at high-speed. Symantec reports it's the fastest
scanning on the market. I can't confirm that, but I can report it's faster than
it has been previously, and my own test computer isn't exactly shedding files.
To be frank, the feature list of this latest release is long and very
impressive: browser scanning, Bandwidth Management (to ensure you don't
download huge updates over mobile connections), Download Insight 2.0 (ensuring
your downloads are safe), Norton Pulse Updates (updates you won't even notice),
as well as backup, tune-up and parental controls.
In fact, the only issues I have are the
following: one, that there is no longer a handy desktop gadget (I've grown fond
of it) and, two, Google Chrome keeps telling me that Identity Safe has crashed
– but I don't use it and you can turn it off in settings. Otherwise my
experience is one of a truly comprehensive solution that just misses out on top
marks. mm Kevin Pocock
“A comprehensive system tune-up and
security suite with the user in mind”
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Details
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Price: $96 (one year/three PCs)
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Developer: Symantec
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Website: www.norton.com/360/
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Required spec: Windows XP or later,
256MB RAM, 300MB HDD space, CD drive internet connection (for updates and
some features)
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