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Norton 360

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This is an old revision of this page, as edited by 81.98.195.53 (talk) at 01:48, 18 March 2009 (new citation →‎Version 3.0). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

Norton 360
Developer(s)Symantec Corporation
Stable release
3.0.0.134 / March 4, 2009; 15 years ago (2009-03-04)
Operating systemMicrosoft Windows
TypeInternet security, computer maintenance
LicenseProprietary
WebsiteNorton 360 Homepage

Norton 360, developed by Symantec Corporation, is an automated security suite, providing general malware and online identity protection coupled with file backup and PC maintenance capibilities.

System requirements

The minimal requirements are listed below.

XP (Service Pack 2) (32-bit only) Windows Vista (32/64-bit)
Processor Intel Pentium 300 MHz (or equivalent) Intel Pentium 800 MHz (or equivalent)
RAM 256 MB 512 MB
Free hard drive space 300 MB 300 MB

Internet Explorer 6/Firefox 2 or higher is required for phishing and online identity protection. A high-speed internet connection for online backup is required.

Version History

Version 1.0

Norton 360 version 1.0 was released February 26, 2007. Version 1.0 is based around the Norton AntiVirus 2007 engine, which provides real-time and on-demand malware prevention and disinfection. Supplementing conventional signature-based detection, the Norton AntiVirus core includes two heuristic technologies, known as SONAR and "Bloodhound". Heuristics help facilitate detection of new, or zero-day malware, since malware has to be identified first before preventative or corrective measures can be taken. [1] SONAR monitors applications during a scan for suspicious and possibly malicious actions. When SONAR has gathered enough evidence to "convict" an application as being malicious, it will take the necessary corrective actions by quarantining related processes, files, and registry entries. On the other hand, Bloodhound looks at a file's code for possibly malicious instructions. [2]

Version 1.0 also incorporates Norton Personal Firewall, a program and protocol-based firewall. When left at default settings, programs are automatically allocated Internet access as needed. Configuration settings allow users to specify which programs are authorized to access the Internet or configure Internet access by allowing or denying certain protocols. The "Norton Toolbar" installs as a browser toolbar. The Norton Toolbar provides phishing protection, which blocks access to fraudulent websites. Norton LiveUpdate automatically updates all the components of Norton 360. The "Intrusion Prevention" engine recognizes and blocks common Internet Explorer, Firefox, and Windows operating system exploits. [3] PC optimization tools include a disk defragmenter. Version 1.0 can also delete Internet Explorer and Firefox browsing history and other temporary files. [4] In "Backup and Restore", users can select what to backup based on file type, such as "Pictures" or "Documents". Version 1.0 can upload files to the 2 GB of remote online storage, provided with a paid-for subscription. More online storage is provided for a yearly fee. [5] Version 1.0 can also backup files to a hard drive, CD, or DVD. "One Click Support" provides embedded support, with the ability to diagnose and fix problems or guide users toward a solution.

Version 2.0

Norton 360 version 2.0 was released March 3, 2008. Version 2.0 is based around the Norton AntiVirus 2008 engine. PC maintenance tools now include a registry cleaner. The Backup and Restore feature now integrates with Blu-ray and HD DVD discs along with iPods. Backup and Restore also supports having different Norton 360 installations backup to a single location. [6] [7]

Version 3.0

Version 3.0 was released March 4, 2009. Version 3.0 uses the Norton AntiVirus 2009 engine. Version 3.0 is compatible with Windows 7. [8] Notable new features include the integration of Norton Safe Web, a community web rating service. The "Norton Backup Drive" allows users to manage backup files within Windows Explorer. [9] A startup program manager measures performance impact and allows users to disable startup programs or delay programs. Norton Insight whitelists technology designed to cut scanning times by mapping known safe files. [10]

Existing subscribers of Norton 360, with an active subscription can download the latest version without having to pay an upgrade fee.[11][12]

Product Support

Symantec offers free phone, e-mail, online chat support, which includes remote-control if the user allows it, and maintains both an online knowledge base and a user manual. There is also a user forum where users can solicit responses from Symantec employees and other users. Each support option, except for the user forums, are available in various languages and translations.

"One Click Support" provides embedded support for Norton 360. One Click Support will attempt to diagnose problems with the product and guide the user towards a fix. If no problems are found, One Click Support will guide the user towards other support options, such as chat support. Users can chat from within the One Click Support interface, provided they have the Adobe Flash Player 10 ActiveX control installed. One Click Support can automatically install the appropriate version of Flash.[13]

References

  1. ^ "Virus Signature". Secure Computing. Retrieved 2009-02-25.
  2. ^ "understanding heuristics: Symantec's bloodhound technology" (PDF). Symantec. Retrieved 2009-02-25.
  3. ^ http://www.symantec.com/business/security_response/attacksignatures/index.jsp
  4. ^ http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2275863,00.asp
  5. ^ "Norton 360". CNET. 02/26/2007. Retrieved 2009-02-27. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  6. ^ "Norton 360 version 2.0 Tuned Up Tuneup". PC Magazine. Retrieved 2009-02-27.
  7. ^ "Norton 360 version 2.0 Even Better Backup". PC Magazine. Retrieved 2009-02-27.
  8. ^ "Symantec Releases Public Beta of Norton 360 Version 3.0". Yahoo! Inc. 2009. Retrieved 2009-02-27.
  9. ^ http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/Symantec-NASDAQ-SYMC-933853.html
  10. ^ "Norton 360 Version 3.0 Beta". Symantec. Retrieved 2009-02-27.
  11. ^ http://thetechangel.com/blogberry/2009/03/norton-360-version-3-out-now-plus-good-news-for-existing-users/
  12. ^ {{cite web}}: Empty citation (help)
  13. ^ "Accessing One Click Support in your Norton 2009 product". Symantec.com. Retrieved 2009-02-23.