Norton Internet Security 2003 Upgrade (AntiVirus, Firewall, Spam Alert, Privacy & Parental Control)

Using anti-virus software isn't enough these days; you need to actively block off your PC from online security risks with a firewall. Norton Internet Security 2003 lets you do both, plus it blocks ads, filters spam and includes parental controls.

Setting up a firewall can be complex but the Security Assistant wizard walks you through all the choices you need to make, and it automatically sets up PCs on a home network to work behind the firewall. The Program Scan looks for Internet-enabled software on your system so you can let all your Internet tools have access at once; you can add other software to the list as well. When a program you haven't specified tries to connect the Alert Assistant helps you decide whether to allow it, block it or tweak the settings; it checks both file names and checksums to make sure an application hasn't been tampered with and you get specific suggestions rather than generic tips.

Similarly it uses signatures and detects common techniques rather than just looking at file names to spot incoming attacks. If your PC is attacked, it will block the source address automatically for 30 minutes, and you can see where the attack is coming from. If you need to be completely secure you can block all traffic in and out. And you can easily see how you're protected and if there are any problems from the red and green indicators in the Status display.

If you share your PC, everyone will need anti-virus and firewall protection, but you can choose whether to turn on the ad and spam blocking tools, the privacy controls that protects private information and the parental controls for blocking particular Web sites, Usenet newsgroups and programs. Symantec categorises these so you can keep people away from gambling and job sites as well as adult sites, and you can add specific sites that you want blocked or allowed. It's no substitute for monitoring what children do on your PC but it's certainly a help. You can also configure the settings for privacy, blocking spam and pop-up and pop-under adverts.

Norton AntiVirus 2003 is one of the best anti-virus packages on the market; Norton Firewall is a powerful tool too, and Internet Security 2003 combines them with other useful tools, plus a foolproof setup that protects you without making what you do want to do online too difficult.--Mary Branscombe

For online PC users, Norton Internet Security 2003 helps keep your PC safe from viruses, hackers, and privacy threats in one easy-to-use, fully integrated suite. It provides continuous and uninterrupted PC protection. Easy installation protects your PC right away, and all components work together seamlessly. It even keeps itself updated automatically to defend against new security risks. It is a comprehensive solution - protecting your PC from all the major Internet threats.KEY FEATURES24-hour protection provides vital Internet security for dial-up, DSL, and cable modem users.ENHANCED! Ad blocking now stops even more banner ads, pop-up windows, pop-under windows, and other Web distractions.LiveUpdate automatically downloads new security updates.NORTON ANTIVIRUSNEW! Detects and blocks viruses in instant message attachments.ENHANCED! Automatically removes viruses, worms, and Trojan horses.Scans and cleans both incoming and outgoing email messages.Script Blocking and new Worm Blocking can detect new threats even before virus definitions are created for them.NORTON PERSONAL FIREWALLNEW! Intrusion Detection automatically blocks Internet attacks.NEW! Alert Assistant provides detailed information to help you choose the best course of action.NEW! Security Monitor displays the status of your Internet protection and lets you stop or resume all Internet traffic with a click of a button.Automatic program control determines which programs can safely connect to the Internet.One Button Disconnect lets you stop or resume all Internet traffic with a single click.Network Notification lets you know when your computer has joined a wired or wireless network.NORTON PRIVACY CONTROLNEW! Prevents confidential information from being sent out without your knowledge through email, Microsoft Office attachments as well as instant messages and Web sites.NORTON SPAM ALERTNEW! Helps you keep junk mail out of your inbox by checking email coming in via popular POP3 clients such as Microsoft Outlook Express, Eudora, and Netscape Messenger.NORTON PARENTAL CONTROLNEW! Blocks access to newsgroups, as well as Web sites that are unsuitable for your children.Allows you to set up different Internet access privileges for each person in your household.