At a glance, Norton 360 sounds a lot like Symantec's "Norton Internet Security." While both offer similar security features, "Internet Security" lacks the backup and PC optimization features. According to Symantec, while Norton products will co-exist whenever possible, Norton 360 will detect and uninstall certain Norton products that perform similar functions.
In use as a beta product, the product was straight-forward and easy to install, and the interface is simple and intuitive, serving a friendly dashboard with areas for "PC Security," "Transaction Security," "Backup and Restore," and "PC Tuneup." The dashboard also indicates protection levels with easy-to-follow colors: green, yellow, and red. Green indicates optimum protection, while red is a warning. For example, if you haven't configured your backup schedule, the related circle displays "red" until you do so.
In use, compared with "Norton Internet Security," Norton 360 strives to handle security intrusions automatically, which can reduce annoying interruptions. While there are still security interruptions — it's always better to be safe than sorry — this is a welcome objective.
Safe Computing
Overall, although it's still in beta release, Norton 360 already offers a well-rounded security product that should meet the needs of most households. You'll obtain more in-depth security features by purchasing and combining Symantec's standalone products, but Norton 360, as the name implies, offers solid all-around protection. And it's the only product in Symantec's stable that comes with online backup features.
At press time, Symantec said that Norton 360 will be priced at $79.99, which sounds on the high side when you consider that Microsoft's Windows Live OneCare can be purchased retail for as low as $19 and McAfee sells its "Internet Security Suite" (which also has integrated backup capabilities but no online backup services) for $49.99. Still, if you want online backup capabilities with your PC protection and optimization, Norton 360 is the only game in town for now.
Delivery
The final version of Norton 360 is scheduled to be available in March 2007. Beta testers must have Windows XP and an Internet connection and must uninstall other security solutions from other publishers before installation. Those who sign up as beta testers before January 15th will receive a $30 coupon towards purchasing the full version on it's officially released.
Norton 360 requires a 300MHz or higher processor, 256MB of RAM, 300MB of free hard disk space, Windows XP Home/XP Pro/XP Media 2005 or
Windows Vista Home Basic/Home Premium/Business/Ultimate Build 6000 and later, and Microsoft Internet Explorer v6.0 or higher. Symantec cautions that the beta release of Norton 360 is not compatible with Vista RC1/RC2.
