Norton Anti-virus 2007 is by far the most well known anti-virus software, so if you are looking for a name brand you’ve found it. Norton Antivirus is a new product this year and includes virus and worm protection along with spyware protection. Norton Anti-virus appeared to catch everything incoming and the system remained clean during the testing period so we are confident that Norton was protecting against viruses very well. Norton Anti-virus 2007 will make it very clear that it has detected a virus and some of the preset settings are set to let you know the product is working very well. As with most products, once you are comfortable it is working, we chose to disable most of the warning (NOT the automatic updates or scans, just the warnings)We were less confident about the adware and spyware protection and would have preferred for it to have been kept to a separate product. This has always been one of Norton’s issues; they seem to want to add every bell and whistle possible when the normal consumer can get intimidated by all of this.

Key Features:

• Now includes 12 months of protection updates and new product features as available throughout the year; annual subscriptions available for subsequent renewal.
• On-going protection keeps your computer protected from the latest Internet risks by automatically renewing your subscription at the regular subscription price, so you don’t have to.
• Enjoy your computer with confidence, knowing viruses, Trojan horses, and worms will be detected and removed automatically.
• Surf the Web without being watched by dangerous spyware or unwanted adware, and without getting hijacked and redirected to spyware download sites.
• Breathe easy when new viruses surface, assured your protection is automatically updated.
• Open email and IM attachments without worry, knowing they’ve been scoured for threats.
• Create and share files at will, knowing even compressed files have been scanned for viruses.

The download and installation of this product felt to me to be easier and maybe even a little simpler than in years past, so I guess Symantec has learned something by simplifying this process. Norton Anti-virus 2007 monitors all the needs of your pc ranging from scanning inbound and outbound emails, the entire hard drive, and even IM attachments. Due to its extensive nature, Norton may be overwhelming to some basic consumers. Norton Anti-virus 2006 is relatively “heavy” on your system as it takes a little over 20mb of RAM during normal operations.

Pricing:

• $39.99- 1 year package or download
• $74.99 – 2 year download subscription

Norton’s customer service is somewhat lacking. While they offer an extensive online help interface, they neglect the phone support which 6StarReviews loves. If you happen to find a number to truly reach a live agent, you will be using your pocket book to pay for this service! Recently, we attempted to get support for the Norton Antivirus 06 that we previously tested. Symantec reminds you that the site is free and if you dig far enough you can find a phone number that is also free (I dug so far I was in China) but that number also provides Priority Service which costs $29.99 or $2.95 per minute. We did hold (after pushing endless buttons) and hung up after about 10 minutes. Seems to us that they have yet to update this process.

Upside:

When Norton Anti-virus software is running, you truly feel that you are protected. It could be a combination of things from the name that is synonymous with “virus protection” to all the bells and whistles.

Downside:

Norton Anti-virus seems to drop the ball when it comes to customer service. While their site is a “library of virus protection” and a destination for everything about viruses, it leaves a confused customer, more confused. If you want to get a service rep on the phone that will cost you $29.95 per incident!

The word virus immediately sends a message of alarm, and why shouldn’t it?!  A virus either brings sniffels and chills or has the potential to wreak havoc on your pc.  Everyday we equip our bodies with what we need to stay healthy to ward off those awful viruses.  Shouldn’t we do the same for our computers?Of course we should!  Antivirus software equips your PC with the proper protection before you connect to the internet, exposing yourself to unknown dangers.  For this reason 6StarReviews felt it was essential to search for the best antivirus software.

Panda Antivirus 2007 was one of the products that we tried out.  Detailed below is our Panda antivirus review.

User Interface and Product Application

The installation process for Panda Antivirus was a smooth process with only a little confusion (there is a spyware scan mid install process) and a relatively fast process. I like the ease and speed at which this occurred.

By looks alone this product may be the easiest to use with a simple set up process and easy to use interface as there is almost nothing to it.  6StarReviews feels that consumers are bound to feel comfortable with this product.  Panda is an easy to install product that came defaulted with preset functions, just the way we needed them.  6StarReviews loves that Panda updates “at least” once a day…you can request more frequent updates. I suspect this is going to be a nice install and forget product as time goes on.

Panda’s Antivirus comes with an antivirus and antispyware software.  Panda allows you to block, delete, clean, and quarantine infected files and does not slow your pc down during virus scans which is helpful to those constantly on your pc.  With this being said, we noticed some obvious adware penetrates Panda’s security software.

6StarReviews’ Favorite Feature: Protects Against Online Fraud
Panda’s Anti-Phishing technology blew us away. This feature seemlessly integrated into my Outlook program! This technology allows you to stay safe from scams.  Panda’s anti-virus allows you to bank and shop online, as they say, with peace of mind!

Panda Antivirus Features

• Automatically detects and eliminates all types of viruses
• Heuristic Technology – Detects new threats without updating
• Keeps your PC free from spyware
• Protects against online fraud
• Automatic daily updates
• Tech Support 24 hours a day -365 days a year

Pricing Plan

• $29.95 – Protection for 2 PCs
• Bulk Pricing Available

Customer Support
Panda offers quite an extensive knowledge database that is sure to answer your questions.  In the event, that you need further assistance, Panda is available via email and phone.  For technical support we only saw an option to email, but it may be possible that Panda’s customer support team takes the call first and then escalates it to technical support.

Upside: Anti-Phishing Technology – 24X7 support – 1 purchase covers 2 PCs

Downside: Slight Confusion with initial download – No technical support number