Norton Antivirus Basic is the entry-level antivirus for Windows. It runs on Windows 98 and is relatively lightweight and easy to use. It’s one of the first antivirus programs to be developed specifically for the new Windows platform. Unlike many other Antivirus programs (many of which require the installation of another application), Norton AntiVirus Basic can be operated straight out of the box. It is one of the first applications that can be launched directly from the Windows CD itself without having to install anything.
This program was created by Symantec Corporation and is designed to run alongside the Microsoft Windows 2000 service pack. Unlike many other Antivirus programs (most of which need the installation of an additional application to function properly), this one is made specifically for use with the Microsoft operating system. When running alongside this operating system, it offers great stability and reliability, and continues to receive frequent updates from Microsoft. Unlike many other Antivirus applications, however, it does not include built in adware detection, as all it can detect and remove are files and codes that are embedded within Windows and its associated settings.
One of the major improvements with the version of Norton Antivirus Basic that has been released in 2009 is its ability to detect and remove viruses that are larger than 5 megabytes. Previously, programs would fail to detect viruses of this size, leading the user to assume that their machine had been infected with a virus when it was in fact just part of an ongoing attack against the computer. Now, any virus that is larger than a megabyte will be identified and removed by this software. Users of the windows xp service pack and higher can also benefit from this feature.
Another notable improvement with this version of Norton Antivirus Basic (Version 2009) is the addition of a new feature to help users boost their system’s performance. Faster performing computers can be improved through a process called optimizing the system. This feature detects and removes unused or redundant programs that take up free space on your hard drive. When doing so, you should ensure that any programs that you do not use on a regular basis are removed from the system. Most users will not need to perform this operation manually. For those that regularly utilize media files, however, this free space can be quite a nuisance, especially if it takes up much of the available free space on your hard drive.
Some of the other highlights for this software include a faster boot time, better networking abilities, protection against spyware and adware, and protection against various viruses, including the popular Listeria virus. With all these capabilities in place, users can expect to experience a faster browsing experience, and greater levels of protection against spyware, adware, and viruses. It is also compatible with Windows Vista, which has been a long time favorite of Microsoft consumers. Norton antivirus basic also comes with a centralized backup system. You no longer have to worry about losing important files due to a computer crash.
As if this were not enough, you also have access to a free customer service center, online customer forums, a comprehensive help section, and a junk-file remover. You can activate and deactivate your Norton antivirus, view the results, download security upgrades, and perform updates and patches. Although there are other good products that cost much more, these additions will help you stay away from downloading a faulty update or downloading a harmful virus. If you are still unsure of which antivirus to purchase, be sure to review some of the user reviews for each product. The feedback provided can help you make an informed decision.