The software has been trusted by millions of users across the globe and the results of this software are just beyond the expectations. The market capitalization of Norton is above 50 percent and it is far better than its competitors in the same field. The main features of the Norton Anti-virus Software are Internet Security, Firewall and Phishing Protection. The software checks every web-page you open and browse and detects the security threats, if any are present. Firewall feature of the software avoids any unwanted programs like malware and spyware enter your computer. The firewall would also keep a check on the downloaded files so that you do not download any bad or corrupt file from the Internet.

Nowadays, phishing has also become a threat for the web users but Norton also takes care of the fake sites and blocks them so as to enable you to use the internet safely. The software was launched in the year 2000 for the first time and since then the program has grown and developed by leaps and bounds.

Various features have been added to the software over the years and the latest version of the software is 2010(17.0) for Windows and 4.0 for MAC computers. The software is suitable for Windows as well as the Macintosh computers. For notebooks, company has released separate versions designed and developed exclusively for the notebooks.

The best part about the software is that the latest version would run on the Windows 7 without downloading any patch and everything would be compatible with the latest version of Windows. The only problem with the software is un-installation.

Numerous users have complained that the software is very difficult to remove from the hard disk and some registry files are left behind even after the un-installation is done which interrupts the normal functioning of the computer. However the company has claimed that these problems have been resolved in the latest version. Overall the software gives good value for your money.

1. Always make backups of important information and store in a safe place separate from your computer.
2. Update and patch your operating system, web browser and software frequently. If you have a Windows operating system, start by going to www.windowsupdate.microsoft.com and running the update wizard. This program will help you find the latest patches for your Windows computer. Also go to www.officeupdate.microsoft.com to locate possible patches for your Office programs.
3. Install a firewall. Without a good firewall, viruses, worms, Trojans, malware and adware can all easily access your computer from the Internet. Consideration should be given to the benefits and differences between hardware and software based firewall programs.
4. Review your browser and email settings for optimum security. Why should you do this? Active-X and JavaScript are often used by hackers to plant malicious programs into your computers. While cookies are relatively harmless in terms of security concerns, they do still track your movements on the Internet to build a profile of you. At a minimum set your security setting for the “internet zone” to High, and your “trusted sites zone” to Medium Low.
5. Install antivirus software and set for automatic updates so that you receive the most current versions.
6. Do not open unknown email attachments. It is simply not enough that you may recognize the address from which it originates because many viruses can spread from a familiar address.
7. Do not run programs from unknown origins. Also, do not send these types of programs to friends and coworkers because they contain funny or amusing stories or jokes. They may contain a Trojans horse waiting to infect a computer.
8. Disable hidden filename extensions. By default, the Windows operating system is set to “hide file extensions for known file types”. Disable this option so that file extensions display in Windows. Some file extensions will, by default, continue to remain hidden, but you are more likely to see any unusual file extensions that do not belong.
9. Turn off your computer and disconnect from the network when not using the computer. A hacker can not attack your computer when you are disconnected from the network or the computer is off.
10. Consider making a boot disk on a floppy disk in case your computer is damaged or compromised by a malicious program. Obviously, you need to take this step before you experience a hostile breach of your system.

Phishing (pronounced as “fishing”) is defined as the act of sending an email to a recipient falsely claiming to have an established, legitimate business. The intent of the phisher is to scam the recipient into surrendering their private information, and ultimately steal your identity.

It is not at easy as you think to spot an email phishing for information. At first glance, the email may look like it is from a legitimate company. The “From” field of the e-mail may have the .com address of the company mentioned in the e-mail. The clickable link even appears to take you to the company’s website, when in fact, it is a fake website built to replicate the legitimate site.

Many of these people are professional criminals. They have spent a lot of time in creating emails that look authentic. Users need to review all emails requesting personal information carefully. When reviewing your email remember that the “From Field” can be easily changed by the sender. While it may look like it is coming from a .com you do business with, looks can be deceiving. Also keep in mind that the phisher will go all out in trying to make their email look as legitimate as possible. They will even copy logos or images from the official site to use in their emails. Finally, they like to include a clickable link that the recipient can follow to conveniently update their information.
A great way to check the legitimacy of the link is to point at the link with your mouse. Then, look in the bottom left hand screen of your computer. The actual website address to which you are being directed will show up for you to view. It is a very quick and easy way to check if you are being directed to a legitimate site.

Finally, follow the golden rule. Never, ever, click the links within the text of the e-mail, and always delete the e-mail immediately. Once you have deleted the e-mail, empty the trash box in your e-mail accounts as well. If you are truly concerned that you are missing an important notice regarding one of your accounts, then type the full URL address of the website into your browser. At least then you can be confident that you are, in fact, being directed to the true and legitimate website.

If you’ve been on the internet for any length of time, you most likely have seen an e-mail trying to get you to install the program. You might not have realized it, but pretty much everyone has received one of these e-mails that the sender promises to remove and destroy any virus that may be on the system. It also informs you that this attachment is free to download. Of course the message seems legitimate, but in reality it’s the nightmarish virus. when you download it, you’ve potentially exposed yourself to major headaches as well as a list of ailments to your computer and/or laptop.

When a Trojan is activated, different things can happen. Some Trojans are more annoying than malicious. Some of the annoying Trojans may choose to change your desktop settings or add goofy desktop icons. The more serious Trojans can erase or overwrite data on your computer, corrupt files, spread viruses, spy on the user of a computer and/or secretly report data like browsing habits to other people, log keystrokes to steal information such as passwords and credit card numbers, phish for bank account details and even install a backdoor into your computer system so that they can come and go as they please.

To increase your odds of not encountering a Trojan, follow these guidelines.

Remain diligent
Trojans can and will infect your computer through rogue websites, instant messaging, and emails with attachments. Do not download anything into your computer from someone you don’t know and trust.
Ensure that your operating system is always up-to-date. If you are running a Microsoft Windows operating system, this is essential.
Install reliable anti-virus software. It is also important that you download any updates frequently to catch all new Trojan Horses, viruses, and worms. Be sure that the anti-virus program that you choose can also scan e-mails and files downloaded through the internet.
Consider installing a firewall. A firewall is a system that prevents unauthorized use and access to your computer. A firewall is not going to eliminate your computer virus problems, but when used along with regular operating system updates and reliable anti-virus software, it can provide additional security and protection for your computer.

Nothing can guarantee the security of your computer 100 percent, but following these guidelines will help reduce the possibility of infection to your computer or laptop.