2012 Antivirus Software Ratings

Norton Internet Security 2012

In previous years, we've seen too much focus on style and extra features when core protection should have been the centerpiece.

Norton Internet Security 2012 has stripped out most of their unnecessary window-dressing features and really focused on multi-layered virus protection this time.

All of the major testing labs around the world agree with us that Norton's virus protection, usability, and resource usage have all improved.

That's not to say Norton doesn't have its problems. It does. And a few of those problems are concerning.

For one thing, not all of the sites that Norton lists as "dangerous" are equally blocked by Norton as they should be. We found at least 25% of those sites identified as dangerous were not blocked or even given a proper warning to avoid.

On the plus side, Norton Internet Security 2012 scored very well in removing deeply embedded viruses. Their real-time virus protection has also improved.

Support is still a major issue for Norton. They provide several self-help options, but make it extremely difficult to talk to a real person. Their support pages can often be overwhelming and hard to find what you need. And for serious virus removal, you'll need to pay $99.

The user interface is improved, but still feels cumbersome at times with oddly-labeled sections and extra windows here and there.

Despite some serious flaws, Norton Internet Security 2012 at the very least has good overall virus, malware, and spyware protection this year.

	Next: Virus & Spyware Protection

Norton Internet Security 2012 Features

• Real-time Antivirus
  
  Protects your computer against current and zero-day virus threats in real-time 24/7.
• Two-way Firewall
  
  Monitors and blocks two-way traffic between your computer and the Internet. Your first and best line of defense against viruses and malware.
• Antiphishing
  
  Helps prevent phishing sites from stealing your credit card information or login information.
• Social Network Protection
  
  Scans your Facebook pages for dangerous links.
• Email Protection
  
  Helps prevent viruses and other threats from infecting your computer through emails.
• IM Protection
  
  Scans links and attachments that come through your Instant Message conversations.
• Pulse Updates
  
  Small update packages that are delivered to your computer every 5-15 minutes.
• Identity Protection
  
  Remembers your login information and automatically enters it so identity thieves can't see when you're typing them in.
• Bootable Recovery Tool
  
  Creates and emergency CD/DVD/USB that will boot your computer in case it becomes too infected to start.
• Parental Controls
  
  Helps keep your children safe online. Monitors and schedules applications and web access.