Preview of Norton 360 4.0: Free Beta for All

Norton 360 version 4.0 is out in beta, and ready for free download.

Symantec’s 2010 lineup of consumer security products has been out for over a month now, but the top-tiered 360 has yet to join the updated cast with Norton AntiVirus 2010 and Norton Internet Security 2010.

More than virus protection and internet security, Norton 360 is an all-in-one/premium/super suite that combines PC security, storage and system utilities. As the name suggests, Norton 360 aims to “encompass” all aspects of regular PC maintenance; protection and performance being the foremost.

As expected, the new Norton 360 will “come full circle” by incorporating the new features already found in Norton Internet Security 2010:

• The “revolutionary” reputation-based security QUORUM technology
• Flip the Interface (180) to see detailed system stats and what Norton is doing behind the scenes with System Insight
• Well “rounded” heuristics (behavioral based security) with SONAR 2
• Ability to protect from malware trying to “circumnavigate” (sorry, that’s a stretch) your security with Download Insight, which protects your computer by checking every file you want to download (don’t worry, it happens almost instantly)

Norton 360 “keeps the ball rolling” by “encompassing” new features and improving others:

• Smart Start-up Manager lets you optimize (read: speed up) boot-up time by reducing and/or staggering (5 min. intervals) startup programs
• Recovery tool helps you find, salvage, or otherwise retrieve lost files if possible
• Identity Safe not only protects your identity by storing your logins and identifying info, but can now be taken with you wherever you go
• Web Restore adds additional backup, storage, and sharing capabilities with your files stored online
• Continued focus on speed; from your computer and the software itself
• Full Windows 7 compatibility

The free download of Norton 360 4.0 beta is available at www.norton.com/n360v4beta

See how Norton 360 compares with the best all-in-one security software by referring to our reviews of the best premium security suites.