Norton's SONAR behavior-based detection system automatically applies tougher rules to processes with a low trust level. For each file you can view reputation elements including prevalence among Norton users, trust level, and resource usage. The reputation scan checks all files on your system against Symantec's huge database of known programs. In fact, if a full scan finds anything serious it's probably not a bad idea to proactively run Norton Power Eraser even if it doesn't ask.
You do need to pay attention if Norton AntiVirus says you should get help. NBRT managed to remove the resistant threat that was causing trouble. I could have also chosen to create a bootable USB drive, or just save an. The help page next recommended using the Norton Bootable Recovery Tool, so I downloaded and ran the wizard to create a bootable cleanup CD. The help page recommended downloading Norton Power Eraser (Free, 4 stars), which completed cleanup for four of them. I didn't observe any slowdown on my physical test computer.įive of the test systems reported threats that weren't removed by the scan, with a link to "Get Help". Note that this occurred on virtual machine test systems with severely limited resources. Here again scanning in Safe Mode solved the problem. The ongoing battle between Norton's realtime protection and active malware cause a couple test systems to bog down. A full scan after rebooting into Safe Mode solved that problem. As with previous versions, once you click "Agree & Install" you can just sit back until the installation finishes.Ī tougher problem after installation triggered the Autofix feature, which identified the error but couldn't automatically fix it. After a reboot, the installation finished without further ado. If malware already present on the computer attempts to interfere with installation, the installer launches a preinstall scan to root out that problem. The architects of Norton AntiVirus understand clearly that the product must do its job even in adverse conditions. It's closer to the interface of Norton 360 Version 5.0 ($79.99 direct for three licenses, 4.5 stars), though not quite the same. For each of those, tabs along the left select sub-categories. In 2012 the settings are organized in a tabbed window, with major categories Computer, Network, and General across the top. The 2011 edition effectively put every single setting in a single scrolling list, with the option to expand and collapse sections. Norton's settings window has also undergone a serious change. If you prefer this level of detail you can simply pin the advanced view in place, making it the default. This is also where you'll find the indicators for CPU usage by the system and by Norton. More The advanced view offers all the status information that was present in the 2011 edition, along with the simple on/off controls for specific features. The new user interface puts those two features front and center, with almost everything else hidden until you click the Advanced link. The new look definitely seems friendlier, with no sacrifice of powerful antivirus protection.Īfter interviewing users and observing them navigate the product, Symantec's interface designers concluded that the on-demand scanning and checking for updates are what users do most. Hoping to get more love, Symantec made big changes both visible and invisible in Norton AntiVirus 2012 ($39.99 direct). Norton AntiVirus 2012 Effective Malware Cleanup Independent Labs Agree Love them or loathe them, everybody has an opinion about Symantec's Norton security products. Norton AntiVirus 2012 is our Editors' Choice for standalone antivirus. Integrates with other Norton products.īoth PCMag's tests and tests by independent lab rate this antivirus as a very good choice for both cleaning up malware-infested systems and keeping clean systems clean. Offers additional tools to remove persistent malware.
Very good scores in both malware blocking and removal. Sunday, 21 August, 2011, 9:45 AM Posted by zack The help page next recommended using the Norton Bootable Recovery Tool, so I downloaded and ran the.