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One of the biggest concerns facing any computer user is protection. Even if you are a casual computer user, there is always the possibility that your system could be crippled by a computer virus. At one time virus protection was something one could take rather casually. With the advent of the Internet, broadband and the many new applications that depend on connections to the Internet in order to function, users are now more at risk than ever before when it comes to security.
Computer security is a multi-level process. The first part of which is virus protection followed closely by firewall protection. One is dependent on the other in order to help secure your computer. However, for overall protection, anti virus protection is a real must.
For Windows XP users, firewall protection is provided by a built-in firewall. While it may not have all of the functionality of a dedicated firewall program, it does offer basic coverage. What most operating systems do not come with as standard equipment is virus protection. If you have spent any time on the Web you will see that there are literally hundreds of virus protection programs on the market.
Some offer protection in terms of Web sites that scan your computer, others are stand alone applications that work in the manner that most other applications do. They are either downloaded, purchased, installed and allowed to run as most other programs. Out of all of the many applications I have seen, there are few that really can go head to toe with Norton Anti Virus 2003.
For many users Norton Anti Virus is not so much a choice as a necessity for virus protection, and this is not without good reason. One of the primary reasons Norton seems to be such a favorite is that it offers comprehensive protection that goes far beyond simply scanning your hard drive for viruses.
One primary reason for Norton’s supremacy is that they do take great care in updating their virus definitions. Any anti virus program is only as good as the list of viruses that it can automatically locate. Because new viruses can appear at any time, it is essential, imperative even, that solid virus protection have those ever important updates. Fortunately for Norton users, those updates are frequent. Compared to some applications I have used in the past, few can come close to Norton in frequency when it comes to updating those definitions.
Norton Anti Virus 2003 makes this easy by allowing the user to have the application automatically locate updates and install them with little intervention. On the surface this sounds perfect. However new users do need to be aware of the fact that Norton has a tendency to install with all of the options literally turned on when loading the program.
Loading Norton Anti Virus is very simple. Just plop the disk in the tray and suddenly a screen pops up with easy instructions. On that point of easy installation, Norton does well. But do be aware of all of the installation options and what they mean.
My personal preference has always been to keep just the basics running. Depending on how much memory you have and the processing power of your system, running anti virus protection with all of the defaults on could slow performance. When you factor in automatic downloading, system monitoring and a plethora of other built-in features, such automatic ease of use features can lead to a system slow down. For some users this may never be an issue. However, you may want to think twice about how much comprehensive protection you may need or want in Norton Anti Virus 2003.
One of the new features with version 2003 is that now Norton can automatically scan attachments that come in via messaging clients like Yahoo Messenger, AOL Instant Messenger, Windows Messenger and MSN Messenger. With this scanning option in the on position, you are given some instant protection against malicious intruders coming in via your messaging programs. If you are not a frequent users of such programs, this type of protection maybe unnecessary.
Because security problems frequently afflict email programs, Norton has built in functionality with Windows Outlook Express and the more advanced Office version Outlook. What this means is that email either coming or going is monitored by Norton before you ever open one. Considering the security issues involved, automatic email scanning in Outlook and Outlook Express is a real bonus.
Again, the only real fault with this application is that it can be difficult locating the options for Norton Anti Virus. Once the program is installed, it does take going through a few windows to find the settings for the program. So one does have to pay close attention to where options to configure Norton are located. They are not all that intuitive to locate, and they do require some effort to find and alter. As attractive as the interface is with Norton, do make note of where options are located and how to adjust them to your needs.
On the plus side for Norton is the ability of the program to automatically scan word documents before they are opened. Certainly this is great if you are facing issues with security with Office documents. But, it does slightly slow opening those files. As is the case with any automatic background protection, such security can slow things down, and it may be overkill for some users. This again depends on how much protection you need, and your circumstances and preferences. So do keep in mind that running anti virus with all of the switches on can impact system performance.
On the plus side again, Norton automatically removes Trojan horses and worms and works well with Windows Xp after installing Service Pack 1. With updates available for one full year from the date of purchase, Norton allows protection to be ongoing with frequent updates for both file definitions and periodic program updates and refinements.
While the computer marketplace is filled with literally hundreds of applications, when it comes to picking a comprehensive full-featured anti virus definition program, the choices do appreciable slim down to just a handful. If you are looking for smooth anti virus integration with Office, Outlook and Outlook Express, Norton will be a very hard act for any maker to follow. While you can obtain free, nearly free or cost effective anti virus protection, few will have the reputation, ease of use and sure footedness of Norton Anti Virus. I cannot imagine a serious computer owner surfing the Web not needing or wanting this very well conceived product. Feature rich, relatively easy to use, and known for providing up to date protection, Norton is easily the king of Anti Virus protection for Windows hands down.
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