Categories: AppsReviewsSoftware

Review: Norton 360 4.0 – Comprehensive Protection with Online Backup

One of the recently introduced security software by Symantec is the Norton 360 version 4.0, which includes the latest security technology as well as remote access to securely backed up data. I was kindly given a review copy of the software to be tested and review. So you can continue reading my review on Norton 360 4.0.

The review unit that I received is for 1 year protection for 3 PCs

System Requirements

This software can fit in most PCs since it doesn’t require high specs.
OS: Windows XP/Vista/7
Processor: 300 MHz or faster
Disk Space: 300MB
RAM: 256MB (512MB recommended)

Installation

Being an all-in-one suite (it comes with features of Norton Antivirus and Norton Internet Security), the installation speed of Norton 360 is considered as very fast! There is no hassle of installing the software. After agreeing to Symantec’s terms and condition, Norton 360 will firstly detect any previous installed Norton products and remove it. Then, it will install the files while attempting to find updates (you can skip this if your internet speed is slow, can always update later). The whole installation process took me about 7 minutes (with updates downloaded)!

The installation screen

The User Interface

Upon successful installation, you’ll be directed to main screen or user interface, which the four main features highlighted (PC Security, Identity Protection, Backup and PC Tuneup). The loading time of Norton 360 is much faster than Norton Antivirus and it’s easy to navigate through all the available tools (tasks). The tasks view is very user-friendly. Everything is neatly organised according to its category.

The main user interface

The Tasks View

One thing that I noticed about the interface is that there is no back button or “Home” button to go back to the main screen. You’ll need to click “close” to do that, which is kind of awkward.

Performance

I measure the booting time of my PC before and after the installation of Norton 360 V4.0. There is a slight decrease in booting speed after installation, my PC needs 3-5 seconds more to be fully loaded. But it doesn’t affect the launching of programs or apps. I have to admit, I was kind of surprised with its speed because I used to associate Norton’s antivirus and protection software as very slow.

In terms of malware detection, I didn’t run a test on it since I don’t want my PC to be used as a virus farm for testing purposes. Haha. Anyway, according to AV-Test.org’s benchmarks, Norton tops the chart, detecting 98 percent of malware, and just edging out Kaspersky (97.5 percent) thanks to Norton’s reputation-based technology that helps identify threats based on how other machines in Symantec’s vast network have responded to them. Norton 360 also achieved top score in third-party testing conducted by UK-based Dennis Labs , which were designed to replicate real-world, Web-based attacks such as those that target social networking sites.  Of the 10 products tested, Norton was the only one to protect against all of the threats, achieving a 100 percent overall protection score.

The BackUp Tools

This is one of the features that I like the most about Norton 360. Norton 360 lets users back up files, folders, and entire drives to both portable hard drives as well as Online Backup. If you subscribe to Norton 360, you get to use the Online Backup with free 2GB space, sufficient to backup important files (you can buy more storage if you want to). There is also a virtual Norton Backup Drive, which makes it easy for you to access the backup tools.

The Norton Backup Drive

If you’re always on the go, you can also access your Norton Online Backup account via the Norton Connect apps available for iPad, iPhone and Android. You can download the app from Apple Apps Store and Android Market respectively. I managed to install the app (still in beta) on my Samsung Galaxy S (powered by Android 2.1) and its work like a charm. I can retrieve files remotely without even having to boot into my PC.

Other tools available in Norton 360 is Diagnostic Report, Startup Manager, as well as Parental Control or Norton Safety Minder (which needs to be downloaded separately).

Pricing and Availability

Norton 360 version 4.0 is available for purchase in Malaysia through retailers and the Symantec online store. The suggested retail price is MYR229 for the standard edition for a three PC license and MYR119 for a one PC license, including 2GB of online storage space. The suggested retail price is MYR279 for the premium edition including 25GB of online storage space. The price for this edition includes a one-year service subscription to use the product and receive Symantec’s protection updates.  All Norton 360 users with a valid product subscription are eligible to receive the latest product updates via the subscription service model.

My Final Verdict

As an all-in-one suite, Norton 360 is indeed cheaper than the rest of its competitor. And with its improved interface and malware detection technology as well as the Online Backup tools, it makes this software worthy of its price and ratings. If you’re looking for a premium comprehensive protection for your PC, then Norton 360 should be your primary choice!

Note: This is an honest and free review. If you would like to get your products reviewed, feel free to contact me.
KeeMan

View Comments

  • As soon as I initially left a comment I clicked on the Notify me any time new comments are added checkbox and currently every time a comment is added I receive four emails with the exact same comment.

Recent Posts

A New Wave of Comfort and Style: ASUS Marshmallow Keyboard

In a world where working remotely has become the norm, having the right tools to…

1 year ago

Tackling the Decline of Malaysian Students in Universities

Image Source: https://www.malaysia-students.com/2017/05/5-ways-in-which-malaysia-education-system.html The heart and soul of a nation lie within its youth; they…

1 year ago

How to Use “Kill Switch” by Maybank to Stop Scammers

In today's digital age, online banking has become an essential part of our daily lives.…

2 years ago

Make ChatGPT Your Proofreader like Grammarly

Easily proofread, edit, and track changes to your content in ChatGPT with a very useful…

2 years ago

Here’s a Recap of Web3 in 2022

As we approach the end of 2022, it's clear that Web3 has made significant strides…

2 years ago

Maxis is Committed to offer 5G for Malaysians

Maxis is committed to playing an active role in bringing 5G to the nation in…

2 years ago

This website uses cookies.