Norton Personal Firewall 2003

It's not enough just to run anti-virus software any more. Especially if you've got a broadband connection or you spend a lot of time online, you need a personal firewall to keep an eye on hackers trying to get at your computer. This is a complex area and unless you're a security expert, you need a program that's simple to configure but that also offers strong protection.

Norton Personal Firewall 2003 fits the bill on both counts. When you install it the instructions walk you through configuring your system by choosing network settings and scanning your PC for programs that access the Internet. It knows about common applications, so you won't have to tweak umpteen settings to get your e-mail working and the helpful dialogues explain the risks of allowing or blocking access. You can't migrate custom settings from a previous version of the package, but you do get stronger protection with this version.

Not only does it block port scans (where a hacker tests your connection to the Internet, trying to get access), but Personal Firewall 2003 also checks all the data entering and leaving your computer, looking for anything suspicious. If it spots suspicious data transfers, it checks the signature database (like the definitions in an anti-virus package and updated in the same way through LiveUpdate). This protects you against Trojans and worms such as Nimda and Code Red.

When a program does something unexpected, the pop-up messages are informative rather than worrying and it's clear what you need to do. In an emergency you can completely block Internet access and if you want to track down an intruder, the graphical map shows you where in the world they are. Setting options for controlling programs is simple, if a little long-winded--because there are simply so many options for choosing exactly what access you want to allow. The options for configuring the way the firewall works are more complex, and you do need to understand security to work with them, but you don't need to change the advanced settings at all to be well protected.

You can also protect yourself on the Web; turn on Ad Blocking to get rid of irritating pop-up ads from Web sites. You can also choose what information a site sees about you and your browser, turn off animations, scripts and Flash or block ads on the page itself; a number of sites are pre-configured for you.

Norton Personal Firewall 2003 blocks all of the common attacks, making your PC invisible as well as secure online, and it does it without making your applications hard to use or demanding you become a security expert. It gives you excellent protection on its own and it's even more of a bargain if you get it as part of Norton Internet Security 2003. --Mary Branscombe

Norton Privacy Control easily prevents confidential data from being sent over the Internet without your knowledge. It protects personal information in email, instant messages, and Microsoft Office attachments. All this power is readily accessible, with built-in assistance that helps you get started quickly and respond to threats effectively. And LiveUpdate keeps Norton Personal Firewall current with regular, automatic downloads of security updates to defend against new threats. Don't allow your PC and your personal information to be vulnerable on the Internet. Get Norton Personal Firewall 2003 today for powerful defense against hackers and privacy threats. For small businesses, five and 10 multi-user packs are also available.