Amazon.co.uk Review
Utilities & Antivirus BundleUtilities:
Norton Utilities 2002 brings together a set of tools to enable PC users to keep their computers clean, fast and performing to its best. The key new features in this edition are that the supported platforms has been expanded to include
Windows XP and
2000, and the addition of Wipe Info, a virtual shredder for those documents that you really don't want to be recoverable--even by Norton's own recovery programs. This is a powerful tool, with the option to wipe to the level used by the government, and should be used with caution!
The installation of Utilities is easy, and allows the user to select which components are desired. The design of the interface is uncluttered and business-like, although a little bit old-fashioned when compared with competing software. The very front interface is the least well designed, and each component part has a different look, some being better than others, which does make it feel a little disorganised and confusing. Nevertheless, the various programs are organised under three user-friendly headers: Optimise Performance, Find and Fix Problems and System Maintenance.
Optimise Performance: Speed Disk is an efficient way to optimise your computer's retrieval and storage of data on your hard disk. It can be scheduled to run automatically, and also runs in the background leaving you free to continue using your PC. It place files most needed in the place that is easiest to access, which can improve the loading time of applications. Compared to other products, such as the De-frag which comes with most Windows OSs, it is really fast.
Find and Fix Problems: Norton SystemDoctor is a dock that houses sensors, such as CPU load, disk space, and can be customised to include a sensor for, for example, Internet package transfer speed. Unerase Wizard will recover items that have been emptied from the recycle bin (unless it's been Wiped, of course), and it is pretty reliable. It's not a tool that can be run wholesale on a recycle bin to recover everything that has been deleted, as it requires some suggestion of the name of the file, or at least the type. Norton also allows you to make a Norton Protected Bin, which makes sure that data can be recovered more easily. Norton DiskDoctor aims to diagnose problems, and suggest a fix, or if you prefer you can set it to auto-fix. It checks partition tables, file structures and free space, and can be configured easily to run automatically on start-up. Norton WinDoctor is a particularly useful tool for those who are not experts in their computer's system. It locates and fixes those annoying problems such as shortcuts that have lost their application and missing system files. It is a really easy way to keep your computer healthy, and it allows the user to specify their own fixes to problems that it flags up.
System Maintenance: this is the home for System Information and Wipe Info. Overall, it is a very easy-to-use and stable program that will help PC users to take control of their PC.
Antivirus 2002 has a long and distinguished reputation for blocking viruses, something that it is essential to do if you surf the Net, or just transfer data using disks or removable media. The 2002 edition comes with the latest virus definitions, and the functionality you would expect is there to support it. E-mail, both incoming and outgoing, is automatically scanned, saving senders from embarrassing incidents of infecting their business associates PCs. Script-blocking, currently only offered by Norton, protects against the type of viruses that have hit the news recently. It is designed to be simple to use, and indeed after the first setup, if you accept the automatic running, you need never have to touch it again--Live Updates will connect to Symantec's Web site in the background, and download the very latest definitions, to ensure it stays completely up to date. No PC owner should be without virus protection, and Antivirus is one of the best. --Alison Jardine
Manufacturer's Description
Norton Antivirus: Symantecs Norton AntiVirus 2003 is the worlds most trusted antivirus solution. This easy-to-use program scans and cleans both incoming and outgoing email, stopping viruses from infecting your computer or spreading to others. It removes viruses automatically, without interrupting your work. To prevent infections during real-time online chats, Norton AntiVirus now also detects viruses in instant message attachments, including ones you receive on the MSN, Windows, AOL, and Yahoo messaging services. Worried about fast-moving worms and viruses such as Klez, Nimda, and CodeRed? Updates downloaded automatically over the Internet protect your computer with the latest virus definitions from the Symantec Security Response team. These virus experts work 24 hours a day, developing new definitions whenever a new threat is discovered. Even between virus definition updates, Symantecs exclusive Worm Blocking and Script Blocking technologies can identify and stop suspicious programs. Because Norton AntiVirus is so simple to set up and use, you can be up and running with powerful virus protection right away. We even give you step-by-step instructions for installing the program on a computer thats already infected. Dont let a virus ruin your day and your valuable files. Protect your PC today with award winning Norton AntiVirus 2003. For small businesses, 5 and 10 multi-user packs are also available.
Norton Utilities: Norton Utilities 2002 optimizes your PC's performance and solves computer problems easily. Speed Disk organizes hard drive files efficiently for faster access and greater stability, while Norton Disk Doctor safeguards the integrity of your drive by detecting and repairing disk problems. Norton WinDoctor helps you get optimal performance from Windows by diagnosing and solving a wide range of Windows problems, from software errors to hardware configuration conflicts. The Norton Protected Recycle Bin provides a comprehensive recovery system for deleted and overwritten files. Wipe Info increases data security by eliminating all traces of unneeded or confidential files. To keep your PC working smoothly every minute it's on, you can run Norton System Doctor continuously in the background to detect potential disk and system problems. In many cases, it will automatically take preventive measures to avoid serious trouble. All of the Norton Utilities tools are fully integrated for easy, efficient use. You can even run many of them directly from the CD - perfect for situations when your hard disk isn't working properly. Now Windows XP RC1 users can also enjoy the benefits of this award-winning program. Find out for yourself why Norton Utilities is the proven name for PC care.