Norton 360 2.0
Manufacturer: Symantec Corporation Part number: 104938100
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- A near-perfect all-in-one solution for brand new PCs, Norton 360 v2 may be hard to install and run on legacy machines. However, don't count on Symantec's time-consuming and expensive technical support for help.
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CNET editors' review
Norton 360 2.0 price range: $44.99 - $58.99
- Reviewed by: Robert Vamosi
- Reviewed on: 03/03/2008
- Released on: 03/03/2008
The good: Norton 360 v2 includes more native support for the Firefox browser; enhanced backup options; enhanced PC Tune Up; works great on clean, new machines running Windows Vista.
The bad: Norton 360 v2 can be hard to install on legacy machines; places a gadget in Windows Vista without asking; requires personal information for access to a technical support section that can be confusing; costly to use.
The bottom line: A near-perfect all-in-one solution for brand new PCs, Norton 360 v2 may be hard to install and run on legacy machines. However, don't count on Symantec's time-consuming and expensive technical support for help.
When we last saw Norton 360, we were very impressed, mostly because it was such a radical departure from the other offerings by Symantec's consumer division. However, in the year since that review, our impression changed. Readers without the latest hardware reported serious installation and backup problems, some of which we were able to reproduce. While we were generally happy with Norton 360 v2, we were very disappointed in Symantec's technical support maze, which now requires a name, an e-mail address, and a phone number just to access. Once there, we spent about an hour trying to resolve a simple firewall question for free. However, we could at any point pay to talk to someone at Symantec. Unless you have the latest and greatest PC available today, preferably, one with no previous antivirus or security software installed, you'll be scratching your head why anyone ever liked these all-in-one security applications.
Installation
If you have any of a number of security or utility applications on your current desktop, Symantec will ask that you remove them. Oddly, the most difficult to remove are Symantec's own applications. While there is an uninstall option on the All Programs listing, we found the Symantec uninstall tools weren't perfect. According to Symantec, the Symantec uninstall option is no more effective than the Windows Add/Remove option. In other words, it won't necessarily remove all traces of a Norton product from your PC. To do so, according to Symantec, you will need to use the Norton Removal Tool. This Norton Removal Tool, according to Symantec, "uninstalls all Norton 2008/2007/2006/2005/2004/2003 products and Norton 360 from your computer." The difference, according to Symantec, is that "the removal tool will remove shared components, such as LiveUpdate, even if other Norton products that depend on the shared component are installed." We did not have a working copy of Norton 360 in which to test the upgrade path for existing users.
Our installation of Norton 360 v2 on a very clean Windows Vista system occurred without fail, and without a reboot. We did find that if you don't want to create a Norton user account, you can hit Next two times and continue to the next screen (previously you needed to hit Next three times). However, even if you fill out the account information, Symantec will ask you for personal information when you request technical support.
If you want to add the Norton 360 v2 Add On pack, you will have to reboot. We did not like the automatic addition of the Norton 360 gadget to our Windows Vista sidebar. Instead of seeing our familiar slide show of library photos, we now have Norton staring us in the face. It would be nicer if this were a user-controlled option.
The Interface of Norton 360 v2 has not changed much from last year. There are still four panels, one each for PC Security, Identity Protection, Backup, and PC Tuneup, with drop-down menus for specific tasks. A system status bar--green for good, yellow or red for service--rides across the top under the toolbar for more advance settings.
Should you want to remove Norton 360 v2, Symantec recommends using the above the tool for complete removal of this all-in-one suite.
Features
Norton 360 v2 is designed to cover all the bases--antivirus, firewall, antiphishing, antispyware, backup, performance issues, and online transaction security--and therefore doesn't require the maintenance of separate security and utility products. This may sound good, if you want one company handling all your PC needs. However, advanced users will notice a lack of richly detailed setting options found in the standalone products from competing vendors. The features Symantec includes are for general audiences not necessarily versed in security.
Similar to Microsoft Windows Live OneCare, Symantec Norton 360 v2 has added a network map, allowing you, as home network administrator, to see the security status of other computers on your home network.
Norton 360 v2 extends antisphishing protection to Firefox. However, you will need to reboot the computer to install the Norton toolbar to Firefox. In addition, we found that the technical support section always opens up Internet Explorer even when the default Web browser is Firefox.
Enhanced Backup features tighter integration with Blu-ray, iPods, and other shared devices. Within Windows Explorer, right-click and select the method you wish to back up a file or directory.
Enhancements to PC Tuneup include the capability to remove unneeded registry files, automatic shutdown after a task (say a thorough scan or backup of your machine), new diagnostic reports for easy problem solving, and browser cleanup tools for Firefox.
Additional features are contained within the Norton 360 v2 add-on pack. The pack includes Parental Controls, antispam tools, and confidential information blocking tools. Norton makes the download an option for people who do not want or need these services, and it requires a reboot of your system.
Missing is Norton Anti-Bot, a standalone application that helps protect PCs from Trojans associated with botnets. Symantec still does not include this product within any of its security suites and sells Norton Anti-bot separately for $29.99.
Performance
In terms of protecting your PC, we cite results from two leading independent antivirus testing organizations. In the latest test results from AV-Comparatives.org, for on-demand scans the previous version Norton AntiVirus 2007 earned an Advanced + (the highest) rating, catching 98 percent of all malicious software tested; and for the Retrospective/Proactive test, the previous version of Norton AntiVirus 2007 earned an Advanced (second-highest) rating, detecting almost half the back doors, Trojans, and other malicious software sampled. Norton AntiVirus 2007 received a Standard rating from CheckVir.com, meaning only the virus searching capability was examined.
For antispyware protection, Norton fell from last year's heights but remained solidly in the middle of the pack in our CNET antispyware tests. CNET labs conducts three separate tests using spyware found to be bundled within free applications rejected by CNET Download.com (as a policy, Download.com does not host any applications containing known spyware). In the first test, active detection, Norton discovered about 60 percent of the spyware; in the second, on-demand test, Norton detected about 55 percent of the spyware; and in the final, removal test , Norton removed all traces of about half the spyware placed on our infected machine.
Technical Support
While Symantec continues to improve its technical support experience, they've also taken a few steps back by making access difficult. In Windows Vista, we found we needed administrator's privileges to access technical support. We then needed to install the latest version of Adobe Flash. Worse, to proceed even to look up a help file online, we needed to provide our name, our e-mail address, and phone number. We think that's extreme, given that we filled out that when we wanted to tweak a firewall setting. There are a series of canned FAQs, but none of these addressed our question. Back at the home page, we found a section for user manuals. Here, again, we were prompted to download and install the latest version of Adobe Reader. Time lapsed: 10 minutes.
Once downloaded, the 44-page PDF user's manual addresses how to install the product, not necessarily how to use it such as in tweaking our firewall setting.
If the automated assistance hasn't helped, nor the documents, there's one final option: talk to Symantec directly.
By clicking Contact Us you must provide your name, e-mail and phone number (unless you did so before). Then you must state what your problem is by using a drop-down menu. Then, you will be given three options--live chat, e-mail, or telephone support. Choosing telephone support, you will be presented with a list of geographic locations, and then, finally, a toll-free number for support. At no point were we informed of any potential charges, unless we read the 44-page PDF manual carefully. Nonpremium telephone support from Symantec costs $9.95 per call.
There, Symantec writes that if step-by-step assistance, online chat, or e-mail doesn't resolve your issue, you can always call their telephone technical support using the Contract Us link. The manual goes on to state that Symantec will "pay for complimentary support and will pay for support in accordance with the most current customer support policy of (sic) Symantec." At that site, however, Symantec writes that for Norton 360: "Complimentary online documentation and live support through chat, email or phone for installation and known issues. Other phone support issues are charged a fee." In other words, for a question about a firewall setting you have to pay for the telephone support.
Symantec offers a more direct route through the "Norton Premium Services" section where expert technical support can cost up to $99.95 (that's a flat fee) per call, although we could find no mention of that anywhere on the Symantec Web site. Under Premium Services are three options: Spyware and Virus Removal ($99.95), Expert Installation ($39.95), and PC Tune Up. In the PC Tune Up ($69.95) scenario, you call up, are charged, and a Symantec technician remotely accesses your PC to resolve any problems you might be having at that time. Symantec claims that 40 percent of its customers expressed interest in premium services in a recent survey, but we think you can probably find free help by doing a Google search for your specific error message or problem. Unlike Microsoft, Symantec doesn't yet maintain its own free users forum.
Conclusion
Our installation on a very clean Windows Vista system occurred without fail and performed as advertised. However, installing Norton 360 v2 on older systems may incite trouble. We're not happy with the technical support offered for Norton 360 v2, especially the paid services that appear to be superior to the free services offered.
User reviews
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Norton 360 2.0 Killed My Computer
by ubnext on March 10, 2008
Pros: Norton 360 1.0 worked pretty well
Cons: Not sure - I can't use my computer when it is installed and their online chat support was not helpful at all
Summary: I got my notification to upgrade to Norton 360 2.0 as part of my subscription. I have used Norton products for years. I ran the installer Saturday, and spent ...
Summary: I got my notification to upgrade to Norton 360 2.0 as part of my subscription. I have used Norton products for years. I ran the installer Saturday, and spent the rest of Saturday and most of Sunday trying to get my computer to work. I spent 3+ hours chatting with Norton support, which proved to be completely useless. I would not install 2.0 unless you have time to work through potential issues. I finally reverted to an image of the system from the night before and everything works fine. Based on the quality of the support I received I removed Norton from both of my computers today and purchased a competitor's solution.
I would be very cautious about installing this software.17 out of 18 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Wanted to love it, but I couldn't
by ttforum on April 17, 2008
Pros: Works for awhile and when it does it works well
Cons: Is unstable and starts failing after extended use.
Summary: This is my revised review of Norton 360 version 2.0. I previously had given a positive review and my review was rated as "The most helpful favorable review". However, ...
Summary: This is my revised review of Norton 360 version 2.0. I previously had given a positive review and my review was rated as "The most helpful favorable review". However, after extended use of the product I have to remove my first review and mark this product as DEFECTIVE. I believe that if the professional review sites that have given this product positive reviews were to run extended trials and followed a policy of revising their initial ratings that they also would drop their ratings after they find that the product starts failing after extended use.
I installed the Norton 360 version 2.0 trial edition downloaded from Norton's website and ran it for 13 days on my Windows Vista SP1 PC before activating it. During that time my system did not have any noticeable computer slowdowns and it ran in the background without any need for intervention. It also ran just fine for another 7 days after purchasing a license and activating it.
Sounds great, right? Well, in my second week of owning it, Norton 360 v2 suddenly started having "Service Framework" failures and told me I should reboot my PC to ensure stable operation. I found that I better heed the warning and reboot, because my Quad core PC with 3 GB of RAM would turn into a brick that barely functioned. This is really, really annoying when you are in the middle of doing something and suddenly you have to interrupt your work to reboot the computer... oh and saving your work takes about 10 times as long since the computer suddenly doesn't want to function.
I went through tech support and they had me try a lot of different fixes, including doing a complete uninstall and reinstall of the product. Doing a reinstall actually seemed to make things better for a few days and then suddenly Norton 360 decided it was time to start failing at random intervals again. I looked on message boards and found that some people claimed that there might be a corrupt file on your system that Norton was scanning and failing on. The problem with that claim is that is 1) Reinstalling the product and doing a "comprehensive" scan didn't cause a failure so I don't think that is really the root cause and 2) even if that was the root cause, if a security product like Norton is going to crash when it finds a corrupt file, then exactly what value does the product provide? Do you really want to go on a witch hunt for corrupt files on your computer every few days when Norton starts failing on you?
BOTTOM LINE: I wish I could recommend the product, but I CANNOT RECOMMEND. It simply is DEFECTIVE. When it works, it works great, but it is NOT STABLE and I believe that any installation of it WILL EVENTUALLY START CRASHING EVEN IF IT SEEMS TO WORK AT FIRST.10 out of 10 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Do Not Install This
by FlaTech on March 20, 2008
Pros: You'll Learn What Bad Is
Cons: CPU Cycle Hog and Worse
Summary: For a good four years, I talked clients into buying Symantec Corporate Antivirus applications. It was for a good reason: they worked well, installed easily, were easy to maintain and ...
Summary: For a good four years, I talked clients into buying Symantec Corporate Antivirus applications. It was for a good reason: they worked well, installed easily, were easy to maintain and they killed bad bugs without killing the host machine.
Enter Norton 360 v2 which was almost the death of me (and certainly all my computers). While it was sold to be light on resources, it was the biggest hog I've ever installed. ccSvcHost.exe consistently ate up all CPU resources to the point that an Intel P4 with 2Gig RAM couldn't do anything faster than a one-legged turtle with a 1000 lb weight under its one good limb.
I can not recommend strongly enough that you stay away from this application. Especially if you think that prior experience with Symantec means that this product has to be good, you will be severely disappointed.8 out of 9 users found this user opinion helpful.
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This product Sucks! With a capital "S".
by Mav6cdr on March 11, 2008
Pros: Not known, could not fully use the product
Cons: All cons are listed below.
Summary: I got my email like the others for the upgrade to version 2.0. This was a welcomed development due to how well 360 v1 was working for me. So ...
Summary: I got my email like the others for the upgrade to version 2.0. This was a welcomed development due to how well 360 v1 was working for me. So of course I was more than disappointed after downloading this thing.
First, they should not be using Digital River to distribute the update. It took me 5-10 mins just to verify that this company was legitimate. The domain we get emails from should be @symantec.com and nothing else.
Second, Don?t send out and email with a link to upgrade software. The upgrade should have been an optional update through the Norton 360 version 1 program itself.
Third, OMG, when I downloaded this thing it caused unholy things to happen with my computer. I tried uninstalling it and re-installing it only to get more of a headache.
Fourth, customer service is no where near what it should be and is a turn off for any customer. To get help from Symantec you should not have to enter any info. There should be a set of numbers by location for help desk support. Then once you get them on the line they should let you speak then access the problem and then recommend a solution. These folks are so busy reading down the checklist they miss important info. I know they are much smarter than that and probably can be more effective if allowed to use their brain instead of a checklist for everything.
Also, really who is going to allow someone to take remote control of your computer to fix something? Come on!
Symantec is the leader in FW/AV, they make zillions each year. They should be able to fix this.
Now my solution is to run the removal tool and reinstall N360 version 1 and be done with it.
Yours truly,
A frustrated customer
PS?I will still use Norton products. I still trust the product. But I am really not happy about their internal processes. Their CIO needs a talking too.6 out of 7 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Awesome Program. Way better than other programs in the market.
by sowmit on May 9, 2008
Pros: Simple user interface; faster scan and update speed, website verification tool; network discovery tool; securing the firewall.; optimizing disks.
Cons: Symantec support still needs some improvement.
Summary: The Program is simply awesome. I have Windows vista and works great; doesn't slow down my computer; doesn't use that much of memory or cpu resource. I have ...
Summary: The Program is simply awesome. I have Windows vista and works great; doesn't slow down my computer; doesn't use that much of memory or cpu resource. I have been using this program about 6moths and I am totally satisfied. The program originally took about 3 minutes to scan my 500 Gb of hard drive. Phishing protection looks really cool when I browse internet and lets me decide which websites are safe to visit. The live update takes only 6-7 minutes. There is also a cool optimization tool, registry cleanup tool which really work. The network discovery tool easily can find out the computers in a network. I can easily log into any website if I save the password with the login tool and can be sure that me and my family is secured. I used to hate Norton but now I love it. I used to be a Kaspersky Fan; but now forget it. I am gonna go with Norton 360. It's gonna be my trusted internet security suite for the rest of my life as long as it doesn't slow down my pc and hope it won't.
5 out of 8 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Norton 360 V2 - good product - minor bug - good service
by gkmahajan on June 17, 2008
Pros: Hardware resource usage seems much less than earlier versions
Cons: Says that you are not protected against intrusions - if you are logged in as limited account user
Summary: I am in India.
I am a long time fan of Norton products.
I used Norton 360 for one year - happily!
I had opted for 'automatic renewal'. 2 weeks ...Summary: I am in India.
I am a long time fan of Norton products.
I used Norton 360 for one year - happily!
I had opted for 'automatic renewal'. 2 weeks before the due date, the amount was taken from my credit card account. But, the account did not get renewed!
I called the phone in India (18004254235). At first I just kept getting a computer and then the line would get cut! I wasted a good 5 calls from my mobile.
BUT - when I got through, the service engineer (George Pavu - of Bangalore, Karnataka, India) just 'took over'!
He took remote control of my computer, uninstalled the earlier version, installed and configured the new version. I was really impressed!
He must have forgotten to tell me that the 'Intrusion Prevention' feature does not work when I login as a limited account user! Very sad!
He also forgot to mention that I can have add-ons installed for more controls and protection.
I did that on my own!
I am so worried about security, that I login as a limited account user - to be on the safe side! But, the software is not working well when I do that!
After going through this site's reviews, I am impressed by the number of others with the same problem! I hope Symantec does something about the 'Intrusion Prevention' related error message!2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Wow!...360 V2 is a killer
by texas50 on March 16, 2008
Pros: Didn't have it installed long enough to find out
Cons: ........Killed IE
Summary: Why would Symantec release this and call it an upgrade. I've been runnning V1 with no problems so when Symantec sent me an email offering a no cost upgrade ...
Summary: Why would Symantec release this and call it an upgrade. I've been runnning V1 with no problems so when Symantec sent me an email offering a no cost upgrade to V2 I expected the same great product. Not close.....Tech support did assure me the problem was not V2!!!! After 3+ hrs on phone support they uninstalled V2 and got me back to V1. Problem solved. Their answer was there were conflicts between V2 and some of the site I was trying to access...... I'll wait for V3 or whatever is next and read several reviews before jumping in again.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Don't use this...it does suck!
by brbob1988 on March 14, 2008
Pros: can't think of one, this is my LAST Symantec product
Cons: I now can't use the file and printer sharing on my laptop
Summary: I am so sorry I installed this! I put it on my laptop and desktop, now no file or printer sharing, has made both computers much slower, have no system ...
Summary: I am so sorry I installed this! I put it on my laptop and desktop, now no file or printer sharing, has made both computers much slower, have no system restore, no reply from symantec, and I am concerned that if I remove it I will create other issues.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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I agree with ubnext totally!
by thomasjefferson52 on October 9, 2008
Pros: Norton 360 1.0 was pretty good.
Cons: It doesn't work in more ways than I can describe. I am so sorry that I downloaded it, as ubnext did, in response to an email from Symantec telling me that I was entitled to version 2.0 as part of my subscription to version 1.0.
Summary: My experience has been identical to ubnext's. Also, I can't get its backup function to work at all, which was not a problem for me with version 1....
Summary: My experience has been identical to ubnext's. Also, I can't get its backup function to work at all, which was not a problem for me with version 1.0. Norton 360 regularly turns itself off, giving me no protection until I restart the computer. Symantec's support is worthless. I have removed the program twice and reinstalled, but nothing gets better. I complained to Symantec about their poor customer support and got no response. Symantec has lost me as a customer. I'm moving to another security software (probably BitDefender or AVG).
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Total waste
by grumpyuser on August 7, 2008
Pros: Pretty to look at
Cons: Slow and ineffective junk
Summary: Don't waste your money. Download Avast FREE.
Summary: Don't waste your money. Download Avast FREE.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Symantec Corporation
- Part number: 104938100
- Bottom Line: A near-perfect all-in-one solution for brand new PCs, Norton 360 v2 may be hard to install and run on legacy machines. However, don't count on Symantec's time-consuming and expensive technical support for help.
General
- Category Security applications
- Subcategory Security - desktop antivirus
- Version 2.0
- License pricing Standard
Software
- License Type Complete package
- License Qty 3 PC in one household
- License Pricing Standard
- Platform Windows
- Distribution Media CD-ROM
- Package Type Retail
System Requirements
- OS Required Microsoft Windows Vista / XP
- Software Requirements Internet Explorer 6.0 or later
- Min Processor Type 300 MHz
- Peripheral / Interface Devices CD-ROM
- System Requirements Details - RAM 256 MB - HD 300 MB
Service & Support
- Service & Support New releases update
- Service & Support Details Virus definitions update - 1 year - availability: 24 hours a day / Monday-Sunday
Manufacturer info
- Symantec Corporation
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Symantec Corporation products on Shopper.com
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- Website: http://www.symantec.com/
- Address:
20330 Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino, CA 95014 - Phone: 1-408-517-8000
