Antispyware:  

Norton Internet Security performed well in the Anti-Spyware tests we performed. It impressed us with its phishing filter, which integrates with both Internet Explorer and Firefox. In all, the spyware scanning and prevention features included with Norton Internet Security worked well and kept our surfing experience pleasant and spyware free.

Antivirus:  

Norton Antivirus passed all our tests and is ISCA, VB 100% and W.C.L Level 1 and 2 certified. If the above sentence makes no sense to you, just take it all as a spectacular compliment to Norton Internet Security. These certifications are difficult to obtain and demonstrate a real commitment by Symantec to keep working hard to offer one of the best products in the field.

Norton Internet Security found and removed all of the virus infected files we planted on our test system prior to installation. The realtime scanner also caught all of our newly introduced viruses. For a bit of fun, we took our testing a bit further by compiling several viruses directly on the test system. Norton Internet Security caught and stopped all of our tests without even flinching.

Firewall:  

Norton has really put some work into their firewall in its newest release. The default configuration is powerful, but doesn't cripple your computer experience. For those out there who have a need for custom firewall rules, Norton has a section dedicated to setting them up that is not only easy to use, but powerful enough to be useful. There is also an option within the program to reset the firewall to its default settings in the event that your advanced rules don't work exactly as planned.

Other Security/Features:  

Norton Internet Security includes an Identity Safe feature that helps keep your usernames and passwords secure. Identity Safe is a central database that encrypts your usernames and password,  keeping them safe from illegitimate websites. These password can be safely accessed from any computer that has the Norton software installed.  Identity Safe also includes a list of online shopping and bank websites that your transactions are matched against. If the site you are purchasing something from is not listed, it will warn you to make sure you double check that you are at the right place doing the right thing.

Norton Internet Security 2010 now provides parental controls. Parental controls can be used to not only monitor what your kids are doing online, but can also be used to filter and limit access.

Ease of Use:  

This is a program you can install on your computer and forget about it if you choose. As soon as you install Norton Internet Security, all of the security features are preset to defaults, so you never have to touch, tweak or adjust the program ever again. On the other hand, Symantec does include the ability to customize many aspects of the program, if you like.

The interface is easy to navigate with well-labeled buttons. Additionally, all options have a detailed description of what they do. There are some options that are hard to find, but once you get a feel for the program, you will be able to navigate without any problems.

Ease of Installation/Setup:  

Setup is simple and the program will guide you through the entire process by asking simple questions so you get the security you need and want. We didn't have any problems during the installation and setup process.

One of the things we didn't like was the time it took to update the program after the install had finished. To download the update and install took well over 20 minutes. This is only a one time thing though, as the rest of the updates are normally scheduled to run at night when most people are asleep.

However, Norton Internet Security caused some problems after being removed from our test system. Google Desktop stopped working as well as all of our instant message clients that we use during testing. It also appeared to remove everything and said that it was finished, but left quite a few registry entries and several directories behind.

Help/Support:  

Symantec offers a wide range of support options for Norton Internet Security . The self-help options offered with Norton Internet Security are quite extensive and the Symantec website has support options ranging from a knowledge base to live chat. Norton has greatly increased its support, now offering 24/7 phone, email and chat support provided that it is during your service period.

Norton Internet Security is a solid program that will keep your system running smooth and clean. In tests, our computers ran smoothly and didn't slow down as much as during testing of some of the other Internet security suites.

Symantec offers great online support options to help with any issues you may have, and continually updates their software to keep it ahead of the curve and ahead of any virus threats that may come out. Live support options have been greatly improved, which was much needed.

However, despite the fact that we found Norton Internet Security to be a powerful security product, we are concerned about the problems we had when we attempted to uninstall the software, we hope that Symantec has or will address this issue.