Symantec Norton AntiVirus 2012

Overview

Norton AntiVirus is an application that protects computers against malware. It guards against viruses, spyware, and other malicious threats. The software is similar to the Norton Internet Security package, but does not contain specific protection features for home networks, email, and Internet traffic. Norton AntiVirus is available for both Mac and Windows platforms, and requires an annual subscription fee for each home computer.

User Interface

The Norton AntiVirus home screen displays an overview of the system diagnostics as well as the enabled security settings. It also displays a red or green check mark that indicates whether or not the computer is operating securely. This interface allows users to view system diagnosis details, conduct live virus definition updates, run system scans, and perform other security operations.

Capabilities

Norton AntiVirus includes intelligent analysis capabilities for recognizing system threats. The software can identify and block threats such as viruses, spyware, Trojan horses, worms, bots, rootkits, and other attacks. It can also identify and quarantine potential threats originating from operating system and Web browser vulnerabilities. Additionally, Norton AntiVirus users can access the extensive Symantec online knowledge base, which includes up-to-date virus definitions as well as information about harmful applications and files.

While some applications use a large amount of system resources, Norton AntiVirus executes with a small footprint. Therefore, the software has a minimal impact on the system runtime performance and boot speed. Norton AntiVirus locates the most vulnerable regions of the system and scans commonly infected areas, which efficiently allocates system resources to the places with the highest potential threat.

User Community

Norton AntiVirus is primarily installed on home computers. Home users benefit from the overall system protection, which protects computers from unauthorized access and software installations. Norton AntiVirus also protects home computers against the vulnerabilities and weaknesses that reside within commonly used applications. Home users also benefit from the software’s live update service, which provides “pulse updates” every 5 to 15 minutes for up-to-date protection.