Norton 360 Version 3.0 Review
Totally redesigned
Symantec recently released the newest version of its full-degree protection tool for home PC users and small business users - the Norton 360 Version 3.0.
Like Norton AntiVirus 2009 and Norton Internet Security 2009 this version of Norton 360 has been totally redesigned for speed, performance and reliability that used to be pain in the neck for users of previous Norton 360 versions. The older versions were reported to be slow, irresponsive and unstable even on relatively modern and fast PCs.
However, this newly launched edition seems to be completely different while including some of the major improvements in online security, backup & restore and PC-tuneup.
First impressions
After having downloaded it from Symantec online store, Norton 360 Version 3.0 installed on our system in just a couple of minutes without the need to restart the PC. However, Symantec are claiming that on some modern systems the new version of 360 would install in under 60 seconds.
When the installation process is complete you should expect from Norton 360 3.0 to load fully in just a couple of seconds during the boot procedure.
During our initial tests we also noticed that the program is very quiet and doesn't display too much information about your current protection status unless you explicitly request it. This is good for movie watchers and gamers who do not wish to be constantly bothered with alerts and status update notifications.
Norton 360 3.0 runs quietly in the background, executes its routine update and scans only when your PC is idle and the system slowdown is virtually unnoticeable.
When you need help
Like in previous versions, this release also includes free tech support from Symantec via e-mail, live agent chat or telephone, however phone support depends on your location and is not available for free in all countries.
We have found Live chat a very useful way of resolving Norton 360 issues. You can initiate the live chat session directly from the application control panel without the need of visiting Symantec website or contacting them via email prior to the chat session.
The agent we contacted responded in under 30 seconds and they were able to respond to our questions immediately after the chat session started.
Another useful option for inexperienced users is the remote assistance service, where an agent can connect to your computer (after you allow them to do so) and identify the problem for you. After the issue has been resolved, agent disconnects from your PC and sends you a satisfaction survey where you can tell Symantec if the problem has been solved to your satisfaction.
Internet Security and Identity Protection
Norton 360 3.0 comes with built-in antivirus, anti-spyware, anti-bot and a two-way firewall. It uses the same antivirus technology as Norton AntiVirus and Norton Internet Security to protect your PC against exploits, malicious attacks and viruses.
According to Symantec normal virus scan is complete in less than 3 minutes, however on the computer we were testing Norton 360 3.0 on the full "smart" scan took almost 4 minutes which is not a bad result when compared to the performance of Norton's previous versions.
Norton 360 Version 3.0 is now equipped with the Norton AntiSpam feature, that wasn't present in the older version but was available as a free download in the form of an add-on pack. However, anti-spam must be enabled manually before you can use it as it's not active per default.
Alongside the anti-spam facility, the N360 now includes Norton Identity Safe that can significantly increase the safety of your login data, passwords and credit card numbers that you use online. Norton Identity Safe stores your passwords and other confidential information in a secure vault and makes it inaccessible for unauthorized users and applications that may attempt to hijack this information.
With regards to Parental Control Tools, it is still available as a free download that you can install alongside Norton 360.
Backup and Restore features
Norton 360 Version 3.0 comes with the backup & restore feature that can run automatically in the background creating backup copies of the selected files and folders while you work. Backup data can be stored either on local hard drive, removable media or off-site online storage guaranteed by Symantec that you can use to upload up to 2GB (standard version) of backup data.
For customers demanding more online storage space there is Norton 360 3.0 Premier Edition available that now includes 25GB of free online storage space and costs about $20 more than standard edition of N360 3.0.
Backups can be performed manually or automatically on a regular basis. Just enter the backup configuration manager and schedule the archiving of your data selecting specific files, folder, disks or types of files (e.g. pictures or mp3's) to be added to your scheduled backups.
There is also a new addition to the basic backup & restore capabilities of Norton 360 in a form of a small restore program that can be used to retrieve backup data from basically any removable media. Using this feature you can for example dump files of a given type on a memory stick and retrieve those files at a friend's computer within seconds.
Performance optimization and Tune-up
Norton 360 Version 3.0 includes improved PC-tuneup and speed optimization tools that can give a huge boost to your computer's performance when used on a regular basis.
The optimization features include disk defragmentation tool, registry cleaner, Internet history cleansweep, Internet clutter removal and the recently introduced Smart Startup Manager facility.
Smart Startup Manager included in this new version of Norton 360 gathers information about processes and applications that are being executed at computer startup. After some period of time when Norton 360 3.0 has enough data about every application's behavior it will suggest you which processes can be safely turned off and programs uninstalled from the system in order to save memory and shorten the PC startup procedure.
Norton 360 Version 3.0 has more transparent reporting and diagnostics statistics so that even non-experienced users will have no difficulty running optimization and getting optimization reports of their machine.
The Verdict
The new edition of Norton 360 proves to be a solid piece of software with and some major enhancements and speed / stability improvements it should be an obvious choice for existing customers to upgrade to the newest version.
Norton 360 3.0 is available at Symantec Online Store for $79.99, and can be installed on up to 3 household PCs. Norton 360 3.0 Premier costs costs $99.99 for three licenses.