Norton Internet Security 2005

The latest uupdate to Symantec's software suite

Norton Internet Security 2005 combines Symantec's latest antivirus, anti-hacker and anti-spam tools in one single package.

Installation is straightforward and, once you're up and running, the options for each module are easy to configure, despite a slightly complex menu system.

The most obvious new inclusion is Outbreak, an alert system that warns you about the latest threats while keeping you protected from them. It's interesting, but by no means essential.

More practical is the improved privacy tool that lets you specify trusted sites that may receive confidential information, such as bank details or credit card numbers, while blocking it from those that aren't. The firewall can now also be disabled for a set time period should you need to do so.

Elsewhere, Norton AntiSpam now happily integrates with the increasingly popular Yahoo Web Mail, although Hotmail support is still only via Outlook or Outlook Express.

It will also attempt to spot fraudulent website addresses in messages, and automatically synchronise email addresses in the address books for POP3 accounts with the trusted senders list. This can be revised at any time.

Finally, Norton AntiVirus 2005 brings beefed up support for detecting and blocking internet worm viruses. The package can also block internet ads, and includes parental control tools to help keep children away from undesirable sites.

Contact: Symantec 020 7616 5600
www.symantec.com