Symantecs update of Norton AntiVirus makes this security staple even better at protecting PCs.
Norton AntiVirus 2005, released in August, features Internet Worm Protection, the ability for users to quickly scan their systems before installation and improve defenses against spyware. NAV 2005 is priced at $49.95; an upgrade costs $29.95 after a $20 mail-in rebate.
I recommend that all users with PCs on a public network protect themselves with a dedicated personal firewall such as Norton Internet Security or ZoneAlarm Pro—and NAV 2005 now offers a simple firewall. The Internet Worm Protection feature replaces the Windows Firewall by default and blocks inbound data packets at their point of entry to prevent the spread of threats such as Sasser and Blaster. The technology blocks known Trojans via worm signatures and can temporarily block all suspicious and unsolicited connections from a specific IP address.
NAV 2005s new PreInstall Scan component quickly scans a PC before installation to ensure the system is virus-free from the get-go. Upon installation, NAV will detect and terminate infections loaded in memory that might try to destroy the product during and immediately after install.
NAV 2005 features a QuickScan tool that automatically scans for viruses whenever new protection updates are downloaded. In general, NAV will also scan incoming and outgoing e-mail attachments and file archives and filter file transfers from AOL Instant Messenger, Yahoo Instant Messenger and MSN Messenger. It can detect spyware, adware and keystroke-logging programs.
More info is available at www.symantec.com.
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