Symantec is one of the major players in the antivirus game, and their flagship program, Norton AntiVirus 2002, is technically sound, easy to use, and easy to update.
Some minor changes have made this version even better than last year’s. Symantec has streamlined its interface. Instead of lines of text, the program now shows a window with stoplight-like yellow, red, and green guides, which is much easier for the average user to decipher.
In this version, Symantec checks outgoing e-mail for viruses, just as it did in Norton AntiVirus 2001, but a new mechanism has been incorporated that also checks outgoing attachments for viruses. This means that you can rest assured you are not infecting others if a virus happens to enter your system and take over your e-mail program. Symantec has also added a Script Blocking feature that blocks script-based viruses like the fast-spreading I Love You virus.
When a virus tries to enter your computer, NAV 2002 automatically repairs or quarantines the infected file. This is preferable to previous versions, which confused many beginners by issuing an alert and then asking the user what they want to do with the file.
The default installation will automatically scan files and e-mail for viruses and will install the LiveUpdate feature that routinely checks the Symantec Web site for updated antivirus definitions. Thankfully, there is little that the user must change. However, advanced users can configure the program to suit their needs, even scheduling the times that LiveUpdate will run.
New viruses are constantly being unleashed. As these new viruses are found, antivirus software manufacturers update their programs. These software companies add the new viruses to their list of virus definitions in order to enable the program to detect these new threats. For your computer to be protected, you need to download these updated definitions so that your computer can recognize all of the current viruses. LiveUpdate makes this easier for you. One year of free virus definition update service is included with Norton AntiVirus 2002. Annual subscription service can be purchased online for continued access to the updates after the first year.
What’s not to like? I have one major complaint about Norton’s LiveUpdate feature. Symantec usually posts the new version of LiveUpdate only once a week. If new viruses are found during that week, Norton posts them on their Web site in a format called Intelligent Updater. A registered Norton user can download them, but this must be done manually. You must visit the Web site and download the new antivirus updates. In the current atmosphere of highly-contagious and ever-changing viruses, Norton has been updating the Intelligent Updater almost daily, but the LiveUpdate is still being updated only weekly. Symantec, if you are listening, please update your LiveUpdate program as often as you update the Intelligent Updater.
If you are already using an older version of Norton AntiVirus, should you upgrade to this 2002 version? Here’s the scoop. This edition of NAV adds support for Windows XP. So if you are upgrading or migrating to Windows XP, this is the version that you need. If, however, you are stuck in the world of Windows 95, this program may not be for you. While NAV 2002 offers protection for Windows 98, Me, 2000/NTand XP, it cannot be used with Windows 95. Symantec, however, has included support for Windows 95B users by including a copy of Norton AntiVirus 2001 in the 2002 package. Symantec also offers a version for Mac users.
If you are already using Norton AntiVirus 2001, there is little reason to update. If, however, you are using anything older, the LiveUpdate and other new features will be well worth the cost.
