By Robert Vamosi, CNET.com on 30 November 2007 12:30 PM
Tags: 2008, antivirus, internet, norton, security, norton internet security, symantec
Had a problem with the Add-On pack it kept crashing Vista and XP. Tried support but they couldn't help. After going through support for over 3 months they said that's it we can't help. Ok how do I get a refund, was told outside of 90 day period so no refund.
Uninstalled all Symantec products (server, 15 laptops, 27 desktops) returned all CD's and Manuals and sourced better products.
While I am unhappy with how this was handled I have got to thank them for forcing me to get off my butt and check out the competition....couldn't be happier.
For the curious ones we now use BitDefender and Acronis to fill our needs, not only were they cheaper their products offer easier use and take up far less resources.
The good: Force you to look at other products to do the job and you will find cheaper and better.
The bad: The Add-On pack is a computer killer...unfortunately it is your computer.
I have repeatedly had clients contact me about this product and previous versions and I have seen the way it works on computers.
I have seen it pull reasonable computers to literally a grinding halt. Other issue include can not download emails, can not browse certain websites and no way to re-enable this ability.
Except remove it, then maybe re-install, if your feeling lucky.
I have not used or recommend ANY Norton products for at least the last 3 years now.
Norton products are a complete disaster, they do nothing for a computer that can not be done better by other products you can get free or much cheaper and they don't usually kill the computer.
Anyone that has this on their computer and call with a problem no matter what it is, I will not talk to them about it until they remove it first. Any computers that come in with it installed, it gets ripped first (if computer still functioning enough) before I do anything else.
The good: Is non
The bad: As stated above
Norton 2008 installs easy and unistall ok too[Better use the norton removal tool].It has very fast scan much better than Kaspersky or AVG.Works with no problems and it has anti-phishing toolbar in the firefox too!
DO NOT BUY THIS PRODUCT! I paid $70 for this product and it does not do what it says on the box! My machine was infected with TWO viruses. NIS 2008 was unable to prevent the viruses yet there was a help page to remove them manually. I tried this and it did not work. Even running live update and downloading 'Intelligent updater' failed and after countless full scans I used the online chat support. Straight away the tech said it would cost me $100 to rectify the fault without even trying any remedial action. I asked for somebody else to help me and after speaking to FIVE techs (all INDIAN) I had the same response $100 or no help. I asked for a telephone number for customer relations and dialled a 1-800 number. Guess what? Another Indian. Customer services did not give a damn and were totally unhelpful. I may as well have talked to the wall as I ended up banging my head against it anyway. I want to warn any prospective buyer that this product does not work and if you get infected you have to pay $100 to repair damage that the software failed to prevent. It is nothing but a scam and I feel so strongly about this that I am going to post this review on every website that reviews Norton software.
The good: None
The bad: Everything
I agree...DO NOT BUY THIS PRODUCT...
My computer, bought new and immediately installed with the recommended Norton Security, has never worked from the beginning.
Not only that, it does not protect your computer well, allowing all kinds of Trojans and spyware to access it.
I was FORCED to pay the $ 99.95 fee for the technical help of locating the problems within the computer system. I was on the phone, in one day, a straight 7 hours, going through 4 technicians.
My response to their demanding a fee was that there Security was the first and only one on my computer system and it was THEIR claim that they were the best and could protect it from all things.
THEY DID NOT DO THAT.
They told me it was MY fault and that I inadvertently allowed the virus, etc..and that was not their problem. If I wanted my computer fixed, I would have to pay up.
Within two days, it was reinfected.
I believe this security program manipulates the registry. Too many strange things happen after they work on it.
When shutting down, it constantly comes up with a schstk.exe (?) application error.
It definitely does not protect withing IE. That's for sure!
I would NOT recommend.
The good: Only for those who enjoy hassle.
The bad: Refer to the above.
I am using windows vista, and after i installed norton, it has stuffed up my gadgets/side bar !
CAN ANYONE PLEASE TELL ME IF THERE IS A SOLUTION TO THIS PROBLEM ?!
While Symantec's protection is solid, the overall user experience within Norton Internet Security 2008 could be much, much better. Not all the features work together and use fewer system resources.
RRP: AU$99.95
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Don't buy this product if you wish to block Ads as with previous versions .... It cannot be done anymore as the facility to do so has been removed from this 2008 version... !
Don't buy this product if you wish to configure Parental control to Windows User accounts as was available on previous versions of this product... Only On or Off are the choices & they affect all User accounts the same way...To get Parental Control & Antispam an additional download is required from Symantec & it is not even mentioned on the packaging ........ !
Over the Top user interface will leave the average user lost & bewildered & there are less advanced settings options than before....
As a Concerned parent this version will limit your web browsing experience if you do activate the parental control .... Or if deactivated allow your children to see whatever they want ...or what they shouldn't even by accident....!
Not Happy ..... Surely These features were of value to others in the past but Symantec has decided otherwise ....
The good: Have had installed only 1 day so none to report except the Con's ...... You might like this if you don't have kids & don't mind web ads appearing allover your screen...
The bad: No Adblocking option available ...as before... Parental Control setting is the same for all user accounts on PC.... Add-On Pack to get AntiSpam & Parental Control is only available through download . Packaging states that it can be used on 3 pc's per household when the truth is that it can be any 3 pc's at any 3 different households...