Statistics indicate that some 440,311 new malware programs appeared from January through June 2008, compared to just 136,953 for the preceding six months. Are you protected? Are you sure?
————————————————————————————————
Malware programs continue to mutate; many take advantage of social networking sites, which make it easier to distribute infections via simple e-mail messages supposedly sent by trusted friends.
From dangerous rootkits to continually evolving viruses and spyware, Windows users require an anti-malware application that provides effective protection without robbing a system of its computing capacity. Of course, no single program or application is capable of completely protecting a Windows user from all threats, but some applications are better than others.
This blog post is also available in PDF format in a TechRepublic download. See Norton AntiVirus 2009 with AntiSpyware in action in the accompanying TechRepublic Photo Gallery.
The tool
Norton AntiVirus 2009 with AntiSpyware simplifies what’s becoming an evermore complicated process. Norton’s newest antivirus software provides effective antivirus, antispyware, anti-rootkit, and browser and intrusion protection without overly cannibalizing system capacity.
Just as malware threats are constantly changing — Lavasoft estimates that typical Zlob Trojans mutate every 15-60 minutes to avoid detection — so, too, must security software maintain pace. Norton AntiVirus 2009 with Antispyware features rapid pulse updates that update antivirus signatures every 5 to 15 minutes.
Norton’s antivirus application, redesigned in 2008 and tweaked in 2009, also boasts a simple interface. While possessing deep customization capabilities, the software, out-of-the-box, is easy to load and operate. That’s critical, especially for less technical users whose systems often become compromised using less effective security software and then feed botnets that work to infect countless others.
Compared to other popular antivirus applications, Norton AntiVirus 2009 with AntiSpyware boasts several advantages:
- Accurate antivirus, antispyware, and anti-rootkit engines
- Frequent signature updates
- Outstanding performance
- Automatic e-mail and instant messaging protection
- Thorough bot, browser, and worm protection
- Simple interaction and reporting features
The real world
As a small business technology consultant, I regularly troubleshoot, repair, and recover infected systems. Working with a wide variety of computers from a wide variety of organizations, not too mention numerous residential clients, I have considerable real-world experience with all the leading antivirus applications as well as many lesser known security programs favored by an organization’s or client’s previous computer technician.
Prior to 2008, it was my experience that Norton security products, including its Internet security and system suites, did not provide adequate protection. I also found older versions consumed far too great a share of system resources. When I tested Norton’s 2008 antivirus software on a Windows Vista machine, I was very impressed with its performance. I wrote my opinions, and boy, did the TechRepublic community respond.
It was clear, from those responses, that many TechRepublic readers had also experienced some of the same issues I had with Norton’s older products. But the 2008 version proved quite different, and after a year of using the product I feel my comments held up very well.
With the release of the 2009 version, I continue to believe Norton AntiVirus 2009 with Antispyware is the right tool for fighting viruses and spyware. While the application may not be the most potent program for removing existing infections (any IT professional with a modicum of experience knows a variety of diagnosis and removal tools, utilities, strategies, and methods are required depending on the nature and number of infections), Norton’s newest antivirus offering is as capable as any I’ve seen. Further, Norton’s high performance holds true; this program does not cannibalize system resources.
Last year, I also wrote about one drawback, namely, the need for an uninstallation tool when Norton antivirus products fail or require removal. Since then I’ve found this is almost a universal truth; numerous major antivirus manufacturers, including TrendMicro, McAfee and ESET, distribute and maintain removal tools for those occasions when their products fail or become corrupted. That’s just an unfortunate necessity when using antivirus and antispyware programs.
On those occasions when I’ve attempted a hurried fix and connected a client system to my main network (instead of my test network), the Norton antivirus engine on my main production system has done its job. On several occasions it caught and contained threats, including a heinous W32 virus that jumped from a client’s PC to my thumb-drive (prompting me to use only CDs now when troubleshooting client systems). Further, Norton AntiVirus has effectively spotted compromising utilities within a special disk partition I maintain for my own network discovery, wireless probing, and password-recovery utilities.
One other real-world item to note is licensing. In last year’s Norton Right Tool discussion, some technology professionals recommended simply using free versions of AVG’s or Avira’s antivirus tools. In many cases, that’s illegal. AVG (and Avira) clearly state in the accompanying license agreements that those products are limited to one installment per household and that the software cannot be used in any business or commercial (including nonprofit) capacity.
Organizations with systems and data to protect should always deploy legal, licensed software. In addition to eliminating legal liability, the professional-licensed versions of these software packages offer other benefits, such as customizable scans and more frequent database updates.
Conclusion
Norton AntiVirus 2009 with AntiSpyware continues improving upon significant advancements made to Norton’s antivirus lineup in 2008. In addition to effective, accurate detection and containment, the 2009 edition of Norton’s antivirus software consumes few system resources.
Stay on top of the latest XP tips and tricks with TechRepublic’s Windows XP newsletter, delivered every Thursday. Automatically sign up today!
Which anti-virus, anti-malware protection application suite do you prefer and/or use?
- Norton (39%)
- AVG (21%)
- Other (15%)
- ESET (7%)
- TrendMicro (6%)
- McAfee (6%)
- Avira (5%)
- F-Prot (1%)
Total Votes: 327
