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Symantec Web Security comes with a very informative 300-page implementation guide. Symantec filtering scans HTTP (Web), HTTPS (secure Web), and browser FTP (file transfers). The Symantec Web Security application can be configured to work with a directory service to authenticate its users and groups.
There is a range of predefined lists included with the package, everything from Alcohol-Tobacco to Weapons, and all 28 categories in between including job search, news, and vehicles (useful in an office full of rev heads, but perhaps less so at a car manufacturer).
Installation was as simple as inserting the CD and following the prompts. Configuration is performed via a Web interface. The main configuration revolves around setting up the computers, users, and groups. There are also more detailed settings (less used, or set once) under the System configuration settings. It takes some time to get used to using the Web interface and its particular nuances, however we are sure once the administrator spends some time coming to terms with it, there should be no problems.
The Web Security application can be configured to filter on a per-user, per-computer, or per-group basis, therefore giving the administrator great control over their environment and enabling them to easily enforce their security policies.
The reporting tools are very extensive and can extend to logging all Web sites that users visit, to providing a complete audit log of Web activity. The application installs as a proxy service, albeit on a default port of 8002 (which can be changed), and it can be used in conjunction with other proxy servers too.
In summary, while it's definitely a content filter, the system is let down by its Web user interface which takes some time to learn and is a little harder than necessary to navigate. Very good integrated reporting does however ease the situation.
| Product | Symantec Web Security v3.0 |
| Price | AU$53.20 per user for 10 users, down to AU$18.80 per user for more than 2000 users |
| Vendor | Symantec |
| Phone | 02 8879 1000 |
| Web | www.symantec.com |
| Interoperability |  ½ |
| Let down a little by the user interface; very good feature set. | |
| Futureproofing |  |
| Good set of updates and schedules available. | |
| ROI |  ½ |
| Fair pricing for this application. | |
| Service |  ½ |
| 12-month warranty/support included. | |
| Rating |  ½ |
