Full Review: Norton Internet Security 2011 - Best Internet Security Suite In 2011?

July 17, 2011 - PRLog -- I still remember my first computer was came with the Symantec Norton AntiVirus OEM, back in 2001. Norton security solutions have become very popular since long time ago, but I wasn't impressed by its sluggish performance and decided to look for a better and light-weighted security software. After hearing some positive feedback from Norton Internet Security 2011's lab testing, I have decided to try it out, and I was impressed by it. Is it the best internet security suite 2011 that I'm looking for? Read my full review to find out the answer.

Installation

The installation file size is 114MB, which is quite normal for an internet security suite. What surprises me was the installation process. It takes merely 1 min (actually is less than that) to complete the installation process. Just activate it and Norton Internet Security 2011 is ready to go! Symantec Norton has really worked hard to improve its sluggish installation operation of the previous versions.

Interface

Unlike the others, Norton Internet Security 2011 uses black background and yellow text, instead of white background with black text. Compare to the previous version, Norton Internet Security 2011 is sleeker, faster and smoother.

The control panel of the 3 main section: Computer Protection, Network Protection and Web Protection is shown at the upper part. At the right side, all of the features are listed, and are turned on default. You can turn any of them off by clicking on it. At the lower part, the activity map is shown by default, which shows the worldwide crime activity for the previous 24 hours. You can also choose to show "Online Family", "Online Backup", or "Safe Web". Besides, It looks cool when you switch between "Home" and "Performance" tab, it actually flips!

I hardly seen any lag when I navigate through the software. During the first time of use, you might be confused of its functions and features, before getting used to it.

When you right click on its tray icon at the start menu, there are plenty of shortcut tasks you can carry out.

Main Features

There are just too many features for me to explain, thus I will focus on the important ones and try to keep it as short as possible.

Computer Protection

Under the "Scan Now" button, there are 3 types of scan available: Computer Scan, Reputation Scan and Scan Facebook Wall.

Computer Scan

A typical Computer Quick Scan takes less than 1 minute, whereas full scan takes slightly more than 1 hour. Besides, Norton Internet Security 2011 runs live update every 5-15 minutes, to ensure that your computer is protected by the latest threats in the internet. You can see the "3 minutes ago" font in green which indicates you the previous update time.

The reason why Norton's quick scan is so fast and effective is due to the application of Norton Insight, which identifies and scans only files at risk. Repeated scanning of known files is eliminated, allowing your computer to run faster. You hardly feel any difference when the scanning is running background, without distracting the user.

Norton Insight also provides information about the processes that are running on your computer. You can view the trust level of a running process, how prevalent it is in the Norton Community, and how it affects your system’s performance.

Reputation Scan

Norton Reputation Service checks specific file attributes, such as how old the file is, how many people have used it, and where it came from to determine the trust level of a file or application and whether it is safe or not. There are quick scan, full system scan and custom scan that you can choose from. Its quick scan is pretty fast, similar to the computer quick scan.

Scan Facebook Wall

Due to the wide spreading of Facebook malicious application and links, this feature is great to make sure the links on your Facebook Wall is safe.

Network Protection

Norton Internet Security 2011 has a Smart Firewall to block online threats and intrusion, as well as E-mail Protection to block malicious E-mail and spams. Besides, Vulnerability protection prevents cybercriminals from using security holes in applications to sneak viruses or spyware on to your PC. Lastly, Network Security Map shows you all the devices connected to your home network so you can easily spot uninvited guests using your wireless Internet connection and/or eavesdropping on you when you go online.

Web Protection

Identity Safe secures your identity when you are on the internet. It includes a password keeper software for you to store your passwords securely and form auto-fill for frequently visited website. Parental Controls gives parents insight into where your kids go and what they do online, so you can keep them safe and teach them good Internet habits. I didn't try out both of the features since I already have a password keeper software which does its job well, and of course I don't have kids either. Nevertheless, both features are good options for those who need it.

Additional Features
Norton Safe Web

Warns you of unsafe and scam websites right in your search results and automatically blocks them. You can find the "Safe Web" button at the bottom right corner of  Home, which allows you to enter an URL to check whether it is safe, or you can enter a search term which leads you to the Norton Safe Search (powered by Ask.com).

Performance Tab

Under System Insight, you can see how files and applications affect system performance to help you keep your PC performing its best. It provides tools and information to help keep your computer running at its best. It tracks all your PC’s activities—including downloads, threats detected, scans, and installations (upper part) —as well as information related to those activities, such as CPU and memory usage (lower part). System Insight then creates graphs that show you how those activities affect your PC’s performance. You can click on "optimize" to improve your computer's performance.

Conclusion

I was certainly surprised and impressed by the Norton Internet Security 2011's rock-solid foundation and features. There are many internet security suite available out there, yet Norton Internet Security 2011 stands up from the rest of its competitors. Simply powerful, effective and light-weighted, I would say. Probably one of the best internet security suite 2011 that I have seen. The only drawback is the overwhelming features which might be confusing, but who cares? You can just installed it and let Norton Internet Security 2011 does the rest of of the jobs, without knowing all of its great features.

Besides, you can get Norton Internet Security 2011 Trial Download to try it out for 1 month or Purchase Norton Internet Security 2011 here with 10% off. Visit Best PC Utilities: http://bestpcutilities.com/utility-software/reviews/full-... for more information.

FAQ

What is the best internet security software for 2011?

Find the answer in my review.

P.S. I actually wanted to use Norton Internet Security, but switch to Norton AntiVirus 2011 because I have ZoneAlarm Pro Firewall 2012 installed before it.

Where can I buy Norton Internet Security 2011?

Get it at the Norton Official Store, which is the safest place you can buy and there are many options available as well.

Where can I get the cheapest Norton Internet Security 2011?

You can get Norton Internet Security 2011 with 10% off here, saving you $7 ($69.99 to $62.99). Probably the best and lowest price you can get it.

P.S. The sales ends at 31 July 2011.

To get the complete links, discounts and more information, please visit Best PC Utilities: http://bestpcutilities.com/utility-software/reviews/full-review-norton-internet-security-2011-best-internet-security-suite-in-2011/

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