Symantec Norton AntiVirus and Norton Internet Security Software Betas Open

Symantec has put the emphasis on performance in the new version of Norton Internet Security and Norton AntiVirus, which are now in open public beta.

In Norton Internet Security 2009 and Norton AntiVirus 2009, the security heavyweight has sought to reduce its footprint, in part with new technology called Norton Insight. The Insight feature works by identifying trusted files via data from millions of Norton Community members. If the files are determined to be common and not harmful, the user can avoid including them in system scans, thereby saving time and system resources.

Symantec also took steps to speed the installation process, which company officials contend now takes 60 seconds or less. All in all, the products include some 300 improvements, ranging from a new user interface to a Silent Mode that suspends alerts while full-screen activities such as movies and video games are ongoing. The company has also added a number of features specifically to NIS (Norton Internet Security), including a feature that allows users to view and manage devices on their home network.  

“Based on customer feedback, we viewed performance as the key feature for this release. The Norton 2009 products are designed to give users the award-winning security they count on, while ensuring their PCs run fast,” said Rowan Trollope, senior vice president of Consumer Products, in a statement. “Our goal is to create the fastest security product in the world, hands down.”

Both products are slated to be generally available in the fall.