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Installed on all the newer versions of Windows operating system (Windows 10, 8 and 7) Norton scored perfectly on tests performed by the independent software lab AV-Test. Its antiphishing feature performed flawlessly and protected the host computer from potentially data-gathering websites. It swiftly detects and neutralizes any known or newly discovered threat. Other features that come with the standard package are a gaming mode, a rescue CD and a USB scan. Even though Norton might slow down your PC a little, it will still protect it better than most antivirus software.
During April and March 2016, AV-Test tested more than 20 antivirus software, among which was also Norton Security. Norton scored exceptionally well and was put at the very top of the highly demanding category of The Best Antivirus Software. During extensive online testing, Norton scored perfectly in the protection section of the test. More importantly, Norton did not slow down the tester’s computer significantly since the test only recorded a delay of one second which is still two seconds bellow industry average. Also, when it came to protecting the host computer from malware, Norton passed with flying colors finishing well above the industry average.
Features
When buying Norton antivirus you will be presented with three equaly amazing packages. Norton Security for One Device, Norton Security and Norton Security with Backup. Even though all three packages offer similar products, Norton Security with Backup is the most extensive one since it offers 25 GB of online backup storage for as many as 10 devices.
There’s not much use of a product that’s not user friendly, and it seems that the developers at Symantec had this exact thought in mind when they designed the dashboard of Norton Antivirus. Together with Kaspersky and McAfee, Norton is surely one of the easiest antivirus programs to use. In just a few clicks you can switch between quick scans/full scans, performing backups or simply optimizing your PCs performance. Before you even see the dashboard, you have to go through the speedy process of installation. While you wait you will be introduced with all the individual features of the package you chose.
The basic features included in Norton Security packages are all there to make your computer more secure. Most of the malware your computer can get infected by comes from emails and instant messages, so Norton’s antimalware feature scans them automatically for any threats. When it encounters a possible threat it transfers it to the quarantine until it is absolutely positive it’s malware. Another useful feature is its USB scan. Whenever you insert a removable drive into your computer Norton automatically scans it. Gamers will be happy to know there is a “gamer mode” that blocks alerts while you’re playing games or watching videos. In the worst case scenario, Norton offers you the possibility of making a bootable rescue CD in case you can’t start your PC due to infection.
Phishing is a serious concern when visiting most websites. Norton Security will warn you of suspicious sites or simply block the ones already know to be malicious. Privacy, or lack of, is a significant issue online so the safeguard of your information should be entrusted only to the best – Norton Security. If among the three packages offered by Norton you chose Norton Security Standard, you will get one license to protect your PC, lap top or if you chose, even your mobile device. But, if you bought the software to protect your primary device such as a lap top or a personal computer, you will have to buy additional licenses in order to cover your mobile device as well.
Possibly one of the best features Norton has to offer is the Parental Control. It is easily accessible online and it provides you with simple and fast solutions to restricting certain areas of the web across your devices.
Price: $39.99
Since not every computer runs Windows 10, it’s important to know how Norton fairs on earlier versions of Windows. On Windows 8, Norton performed without a flaw, recording a perfect score on the AV-Test for positively recognizing malware and blocking it.
When it came to testing Norton on Windows 7, it also scored perfectly on the AV-Test for performance. AV-Test independently tests each software against a multitude of threats and possible threats in order to see how capable the antivirus is in identifying, blocking and destroying malware. Norton did all this with just slightly slowing down the host computer. Even though the OS is different, Norton packages provide same features across all Windows operating systems. This includes the option of creating a rescue CD in case your computer won’t boot due to infection, a gaming mode to prevent unwanted interruptions while you’re playing games and watching video as well as a USB scan which automatically scans any USB drive inserted into your PC.
On older versions of Windows Vista and XP, Norton satisfied the industry average it identifying, blocking and destroying possible threats. Even though it significantly slowed down the host computer while running on Windows XP, Norton still scored a perfect 100 percent in recognizing and neutralizing new malware.
A great feature that further differentiates Norton from its competitors is the ability to create an online account from which you can manage the protection of your devices. This means you can add or delete any device you own and then move protection from one to the other. If you need any help while using your new Norton software, a 24/7 professional customer service is there to answer your call. While having an online chat option is great, we found that the representatives weren’t so helpful in solving the actual problem we presented but, instead, kept insisting we deal with the problem directly through a call to costumer service. We suggest you make a call instead of tangling yourself in an online chat.
Email: Even though there is no direct email you can contact customer support through, you can send them an enquiry through a form on their website.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Norton/
Phone number: The phone number depends on the country you’re in, but you can file a form and ask for the number for your specific location through this link:
support.norton.com/sp/en/us/home/current/contact-phone
Support Forum: https://community.norton.com/en
Website: https://us.norton.com/antivirus
Our editorial staff evaluates products and services independently, but Best Review Guide may earn money when you click on links. Read our advertising disclosure.
By: Cristina | Last updated June 2, 2017 
