Let me welcome you to the most simplistic review for PC anti-virus software that you are ever likely to read! This is mainly because a) I am really not all that computer savvy at all, and b) because there is a wonderful irony in that fact that Norton 360 version 4.0 really is rather perfect for those of us who are not yet totally clued up in the IT jargon and computer technicalities of this modern, internet driven world!

So lets start breaking it down :-

Appearance…
The first thing that catches my eye is that Norton 360 has been refreshingly revitalised and brought right up to date for 2010, notably now making it compatible with windows 7. With a very attractive and exciting visual layout that is now easily accessible to all tech’ levels of PC users; including clear, straightforward and vivid on-screen instructions and security alerts, and with bright and colourful diagrams, the user is almost literally taken on a cinematic journey through protective cyber space!

The technical stuff…
Norton 360 version 4.0 boasts (and I am happy to report delivers), a very comprehensive, no nonsense approach package, including such features as identity protection, PC tune up, and 2GB of secured online back up and restore as standard (which can be increased for a reasonable fee, and is always instantly accessible from any computer, simply by logging into your Norton account), to name but a few. If like me, you have ever suffered the devastating results of a computer virus such as the notorious Trojan horse, then it is a guarantee that you will feel completely comforted and reassured by Norton 360 All-In-One Security‘s ability to prevent this and all other virus‘ from finding their way into your PC or laptop.

Included in the security package, is a two way firewall which defends against hackers, preventing them from stealing your personal information and passwords. Intelligence-driven technology for faster, fewer, shorter scans, (10 seconds to perform a quick scan and 5 minutes to perform a comprehensive scan, to be precise!), professional-strength email filtering, immediate identification of unsafe websites from all of your search results, and automatic secure protection when connecting your PC to wireless networks. Also included is the all important customer/user support from Symantec.com, which is available in the forms of a email, chat and over the phone service. So if you do still find yourself a little overwhelmed by all of this technology at your finger tips, there is always some one out there ready to help with all of their expertise, patience and computer know-how.

Web-based Parental Control
As a mother of teenage children myself one of the most important features I look for in any security package is ‘Parental Control’, and I am pleased to report that Norton 360 offers an excellent online service via OnlineFamily.Norton software, which is completely free and allows for control and monitoring of web usage in the home.
It includes such features as Web content filtering, Internet time control, and IM monitoring, and because it's wholly Web-based you can view and manage it from wherever you happen to be at the time, giving you the parent, the full control and peace of mind needed.

VERDICT…
So now we come to the verdict, where I conclude that although it is one of the more expensive security packages out there on the market, it is in my opinion worth the extra cost and extra peace of mind that it brings once it’s been installed. With the only draw back being that it only provides protection for 1 PC, in comparison to the past packages that have provided a hugely valuable protection for up to 3 PC’s.

However despite this I give Norton 360 version 4.0, a very satisfactory 8 out of 10 for delivering exactly what it promises!

Available to download from Norton.