Norton Internet Security 2000 - Symantec's network security software - Software Review - Evaluation

Home Office Computing, May, 2000 by Bonny L. Georgia

HOC RATING 7

* Requirements: Win 95/98, 24MB of RAM (32MB recommended), 60MB of hard disk space, CD-ROM drive * List Price: $60 ($54 online download) * Manufacturer: Symantec Corp., 800-441-7234, www.symantec.com

THE MORE TIME YOU SPEND CONNECTED to the Internet, the more vulnerable your PC is to hackers and viruses. The threat is even greater if you use a DSL or cable modem, because such always-on access is like propping the door open for vandals who want to hijack your PC. Norton Internet Security 2000 is designed to slam the door on lurking evils and keep your PC safe from harm.

The main interface is separated into Security, Privacy, Ad Blocking, and Parental Controls menus, with low, medium, and high sensitivity settings plus custom options for each. The first is your personal firewall, which stops malicious applications and unauthorized communications with your PC, including Java applets and ActiveX controls.

The Privacy options let you block or allow cookies and keep information you specify (like phone or credit card numbers) from being entered on Web forms. Ad Blocking strips common ad banners from Web pages to make them load faster. Finally, the Parental Controls filter Web content by category (such as sex, violence, weapons, and intolerance) and let you set permissions for applications like instant messaging or Internet games.

The CD also includes Norton AntiVirus 2000; if you already own Norton SystemWorks, Norton Internet Security is seamlessly added to the main interface menu so you can control all the utilities from one place. Tweaking individual security categories is straightforward, and with a few mouse clicks you can establish individual accounts for others in your household--restricting access for your kids while providing full access for adults, for example.

We had to look at the action log to be sure the program was running when set at the recommended medium sensitivity. But at high sensitivity, the software alerted us repeatedly to potential security problems. About the only complaints are that the Ad Blocker and Parental Controls are too aggressive in filtering content and the price is a bit high compared to SystemWorks. Still, if you're looking to batten down the hatches against snoops and hackers, Norton Internet Security will certainly help.

[up arrow] Vital protection for the broadband user

[down arrow] Content filters can be too strict

RATINGS

HOME OFFICE COMPUTING rates products on a scale of 1 to 10--with few 9's or 10's--based on value, performance, innovation (medals go to rare standouts in these areas), ease of use, and suitability for home offices. The [up arrow] and [down arrow] symbols indicated pros and cons.