Rating: 
Summary: Buggy and tech support is virtually non-existent.
Review: Buggy buggy buggy! On one computer, I can only get NPF to load on 1/3 of all boots (warm or cold). On my other computer, the central (yet separate) updating program -- Symantec LiveUpdate -- automatically CHANGES its connectivity options ITSELF nearly every day, which causes the "LiveUpdate settings" to become "corrupt," making updating either NPF or NAV impossible unless. . . .One goes through a cumbersome process of scanning the entire hard drive(s) for LiveUpdate's configuration settings, removes them manually, goes to the control panel to reconfigure NEW settings, and then reboots. This works (temporarily) to fix the problem, but it takes about 10 minutes. Do that 10-12 times per week, and you can imagine the frustration factor. Periodically, this "quick" fix fails, and I have to go through a bizarrely convoluted "uninstall" process for Symantec LiveUpdate. This LENGTHY process is outlined in a "repair" document that, when the screen type is set to "smallest," requires 6 (SIX) pages of paper to describe and about 45 minutes to actually execute. When that "repair" no longer works, Symantec tech "support" suggests uninstalling and reinstalling everything (that's their solution to nearly every problem -- they seem to have next to zero troubleshooting expertise or, perhaps, zero WILL to help), a process that can take as long as an hour and a half, depending on your CPU clock speed. I've mentioned the near-uselessness of their email "tech" support. Frankly, I see no "tech" in their "support." Invariably, one is directed to one of a gazillion lengthy online documents that spells out a time-consuming process to keep the customer running in circles, only to find, ultimately, that there is NO way to fix the problem other than UNINSTALLING everything (remember, there are three components here -- NPF, NAV, and LiveUpdate) and then reinstalling ALL THREE. A 1.5 hour process, at least, as I noted above. I'm completely fed up with Symantec, especially with their repeated "apologies for any inconvenience. . . ." What? "Any" inconvenience? How about the very REAL and repeatedly tangible wastes of time caused not only by buggy software but by their inability and/or unwillingness to actually troubleshoot an issue or fix the bugs in their software rather than simply playing their default "uninstall and reinstall" card. If they truly were sorry, they'd fix the software rather than directing the customer to "keep. . . running" (hat tip to Ralph Ellison). I'm no programmer, but even I could give that "techincal support advice" (I use the terms loosely). I have no alternative software solutions to suggest, but I strongly warn users to avoid this software like the plague that it is. Ironically, the anti-virus software works like a charm (it has intercepted dozens of viral emails), and the firewall is impressive in its capabilities and has been excellent. But the inability to keep the products updated because of unauthorized software auto-reconfigurations and subsequent file corruptions thereby, added to the dozens of hours needed to keep that update component functioning properly have made this software and Symantec's lack of useful tech support infuriating. Update to Symantec 2005?
Not while I'm alive. . . .
Rating:
Summary: Buggy and tech support is virtually non-existent.
Review: Buggy buggy buggy! On one computer, I can only get NPF to load on 1/3 of all boots (warm or cold). On my other computer, the central (yet separate) updating program -- Symantec LiveUpdate -- automatically CHANGES its connectivity options ITSELF nearly every day, which causes the "LiveUpdate settings" to become "corrupt," making updating either NPF or NAV impossible unless. . . . One goes through a cumbersome process of scanning the entire hard drive(s) for LiveUpdate's configuration settings, removes them manually, goes to the control panel to reconfigure NEW settings, and then reboots. This works (temporarily) to fix the problem, but it takes about 10 minutes. Do that 10-12 times per week, and you can imagine the frustration factor. Periodically, this "quick" fix fails, and I have to go through a bizarrely convoluted "uninstall" process for Symantec LiveUpdate. This LENGTHY process is outlined in a "repair" document that, when the screen type is set to "smallest," requires 6 (SIX) pages of paper to describe and about 45 minutes to actually execute. When that "repair" no longer works, Symantec tech "support" suggests uninstalling and reinstalling everything (that's their solution to nearly every problem -- they seem to have next to zero troubleshooting expertise or, perhaps, zero WILL to help), a process that can take as long as an hour and a half, depending on your CPU clock speed. I've mentioned the near-uselessness of their email "tech" support. Frankly, I see no "tech" in their "support." Invariably, one is directed to one of a gazillion lengthy online documents that spells out a time-consuming process to keep the customer running in circles, only to find, ultimately, that there is NO way to fix the problem other than UNINSTALLING everything (remember, there are three components here -- NPF, NAV, and LiveUpdate) and then reinstalling ALL THREE. A 1.5 hour process, at least, as I noted above. I'm completely fed up with Symantec, especially with their repeated "apologies for any inconvenience. . . ." What? "Any" inconvenience? How about the very REAL and repeatedly tangible wastes of time caused not only by buggy software but by their inability and/or unwillingness to actually troubleshoot an issue or fix the bugs in their software rather than simply playing their default "uninstall and reinstall" card. If they truly were sorry, they'd fix the software rather than directing the customer to "keep. . . running" (hat tip to Ralph Ellison). I'm no programmer, but even I could give that "techincal support advice" (I use the terms loosely). I have no alternative software solutions to suggest, but I strongly warn users to avoid this software like the plague that it is. Ironically, the anti-virus software works like a charm (it has intercepted dozens of viral emails), and the firewall is impressive in its capabilities and has been excellent. But the inability to keep the products updated because of unauthorized software auto-reconfigurations and subsequent file corruptions thereby, added to the dozens of hours needed to keep that update component functioning properly have made this software and Symantec's lack of useful tech support infuriating. Update to Symantec 2005?
Not while I'm alive. . . .
Rating: 
Summary: You do have options...
Review: Buy an inexpensive broadband router such as the D-Link DI-604 (this is your firewall) and a copy of PC-cillin from Trend Micro (this is your virus software) and you're good to go.
Rating: 
Summary: OK But only 1 year's update included!
Review: I followed the instructions to the letter, with Emergency Recovery disks, all applications closed & so on. Installation was S-L-O-W, don't be in a hurry when you do this (I use a Celeron 1.2 Ghz with 512Mb RAM). Also at first my PC ran slowly too, web pages especially took forever to load then appeared in a flash, as if the Web connection was in trouble. A Re boot solved that & there hasn't been a re-occurence since. The Virus file update following install was fine & quick, but the re-scan for troublesome files took FOREVER, over 30 minutes on my 60Gbyte drive! (with 20 Gbyte of data on it) It turned up no viruses but highlighted some unwanted, nasty, intrusive MalWare & rogue dialers, so I'm happy with the results. One MAJOR bone of contention is you're only given 1 year's worth of virus file updates. This is a definite No-No when you pay $50 for this software. I'd expect at least 2 years, preferably 3. Obviously Norton has taken a page out of Microsoft's book. The PC runs fine, no blue screen (yet!) no noticable slow downs (I know people who have this trouble) & all my peripherals work (I know someone who's digital camera won't connect when Norton is running). Relieved? Yes, I use my PC for studying & work so now I'm a happier knowing a virus attack is a lot less likely.
Rating: 
Summary: The Best Just Got BETTER!
Review: I just purchased this as an upgrade to my 2003 subscription that I had renewed on my Windows XP. Not something planned but an emergency move when my installation of MSN Premium Software for my Verizon DSL service, ruined my Norton with an accidental startup of McAfree Virus Scan. I had not meant to harm my current Norton, but when I checked the McAfree offer, it began to download, and even though I told it NOT to remove my Norton, it corrupted the registry, and after several attempts, I could not repair the problem. My auto-protect and email scanning were off and could not be enabled, and then I even lost the default automatic live update too. I went to the Symantec site, and purchased this Norton 2004 as an upgrade to my 2003 software subscription, and paid $39.99. I also purchased the backup disc for an additional $9.99. Dealing with the download process was a bit tricky, but the wizard removed the old corrupted files, and I was able to save a backup to the computer too. Installation was a cinch once I got past the inittial glitches from the old data from 2003. NOW I feel this was a blessing in disguise. The 2004 Norton Anti-virus is WAY better than the 2003 with more great features. It is still in the easy to use window as soon as you click on it. As advertised, detects Spyware and more expanded threats the 2003 version did not. You don't NEED a spyware program, 2004 has one built in, and it works great. You can remove manually, or set Norton to do it for you. I like to see and make sure of what is being deleted first. In any case, you really get to cover it all for one price and I feel you get alot for your money here in this basic package. Live update works the same way, quickly downloading all the latest updates for new threats. Although I have it set for automatic live update, I check it frequently anyway. I did a full system scan and it took 18 minutes total for me. I find this just as easy to use, and WAY more great features that give you confidence to surf the net and open your mail without worry. I don't understand what all the complaints are about here. I almost did not buy the product after reading some of my fellow reviewers opinions, but went ahead and bought as I trust Norton and have never had any problems with their software. My Windows XP running on a HP Pavillion Intel Pentium 4, 2.53GHz and 512MB memory has not been slowed, or any other operating problems since installation that have been mentioned by others. It has performed as well as usual, with no
glitches or any other errors due to Norton. Bottom line is, for a great Anti-Virus Software program, with more great and necessary features than ever, that are simple to use and apply to your everyday needs in the cyber-world, DO NOT HESITATE to purchase and run Norton Anti-Virus 2004.
Rating:
Summary: More REBATES!
Review: I read a couple of good reviews on Norton's firewall. I'm here to buy it, but I'm not going to because I dislike rebates. Just lower the price! I'm not jumping through hoops for the privilege of buying your software for a reasonable price.
Rating:
Summary: This isn't an upgrade!
Review: I thought I was doing the right thing, by updating my antivirus from Norton 2002 to Norton 2004. Boy was I wrong. Although I didn't experience the problems with the install that others did, I do notice an immediate performance slow-down of my computer. I have P4 1.6ghz, 512RAM and I can tell it's slowing my computer down. It may be worse for those with lesser systems. If you download programs to install, they vanish untill Norton decides their safe, which may be a safe thing if you have kids, but it's downright annoying if you are downloading from trusted sites. It's always running and scanning and refreshing in the background, monitoring everything you do online, causing glitches and pauses in your programs. It got downright maddening and, since it doesn't uninstall properly I was forced to go into the registry as well as several other places to wipe all of it's traces out, and completely uninstall and re-install SystemWorks to 'roll back' to 2002. My advice, get this ONLY if you desperately need it due to unruly teens or family members who share tons of files in chat rooms. Otherwise, for the smarter people stick with 2001, or 2002 and keep it updated. This 2004 is bloatware plain and simple. We MISS you Peter Norton! Come back!
Rating:
Summary: Way Better Than Trend Micro PC-Cillin
Review: I was using Trend Micro PC-Cillin and kept having viruses. I could not figure out why until I read an article in PC World that told that Trend does not detect or remove spyware/adware. Knowing that viruses can come in with spyware/adware I realized that my problem was in part the protection I bought. Taking a friend's advice who sets up computer systems and networks them for a living I bought the stand alone Norton Bundle of Anti Virus and Personal Firewall. I must say I have never been more pleased than I have with Norton. It has kept me protected solidly and I feel it was worth every penny and do not forsee ever switching again. Being told by a co worker i was not smart to have switched from Trend I decided to double check some of Norton's scan reports by doing the free scan at the trend site and the program that before was telling me i had all these viruses was now backing up what Norton told me and saying i was totally clean. Go figure. It might be not as easy to install or use as Trend claims to be but when you want computer protection you want SOLID protection not just the easiest thing to use.
Rating:
Summary: The best - and it keeps getting better!
Review: I've been using Norton Anti-Virus products for the past 8 years. As a webmaster and Internet professional, I would be lost without the protection this product provides. More times than I can count, Symantec/Norton products have saved my computer and my files from dangerous software viruses, worms and other malicious programs. I keep my virus definitions up to date at all times. Just recently, I discovered to my delight that my virus software was also safeguarding my system from spyware, that software that looks innocent, but that gets on your system through tool bars (like the MSN toolbar) and gathers information about you or your surfing habits. Even better news is that Symantec (the owner of Norton Anti-Virus) is getting into the anti-SPAM business. I can't think of a smarter and more effective company to help with that huge problem! As far as the tech support issue on Norton is concerned, if you first use the very helpful and extensive database of information Norton has developed on their website, you will find that you have almost no need to ever even contact tech support. I have personally never had any problems with tech support, but that may be because I try to do my homework first. If you try to contact tech support in the middle of a new and large virus attack, it is understandable that you will have to wait for help. This would be true no matter which virus software you select. The people who have problems with Norton usually do one or more of the following:
1. Do not keep their virus definitions current.
2. Are not careful about downloading programs, games, music files, and screensavers from companies they do not know.
3. Do not read the directions for the program
4. Do not use the information available on the symantec.com website
5. Do not regularly scan their computer for viruses. The malicious programmers who are trying to cause problems with your computer are a very aggressive and active bunch. This means that if you want to protect yourself, you will not be able to get by with a passive defense. Norton is a tool, but like any tool, it is useful if you use it properly.
Rating:
Summary: I disagree - rebates are great
Review: Rebates are a way of life in computer product purchases. It makes my overall hobby much less expensive. I keep Norton Antivirus, in one form or another, on 4 computers for almost no net cost. I always have 10-20 rebates out at any given time. Those that buy and never get around to sending in the rebate (or can't do them right) make the whole thing work.
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