Norton Anti Virus Information
Norton Anti-virus is a software product of the Symantec Corporation. The main function of the Norton Anti-virus brand is to remove viruses, spyware and malware from computers. Norton Anti-virus products are sold with a year subscription for updates. After this period, the subscription must be renewed to continue receiving virus updates. Norton Anti-virus is sold in multiple forms that offer different features.
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History
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Norton Anti-virus was created by Peter Norton and Peter Norton Computing. In 1990 the Symantec Corporation acquired Peter Norton Computing for $70 million and began advertising Norton Anti-virus with the iconic picture of Peter Norton on the front of the box. In 2004 product activation was added to Norton Anti-virus to combat an estimated 3.6 million counterfeit copies of the product. In 2005 the "Antispyware Edition" added protection against spyware and adware.
Versions
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In 2010 Norton Anti-virus was offered in several versions. Norton 360 4.0 came in standard and premier editions. Norton 360 was installable on up to three computers in the same household and included advanced tools such as identity protection, data backup and online storage. Norton 360 was also available in a stripped-down netbook edition. Norton Internet Security 2010 combined virus protection with spyware protection and other advanced features. Norton Anti-virus 2010 provided virus and spyware protection and could only be installed on one computer.
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Cost
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In 2010 Norton Anti-virus 2010 retailed for $39.99. Norton Internet Security 2010 retailed for $69.99. Norton 360 Version 4.0 Netbook Edition retailed for $79.99. Norton 360 Version 4.0 Standard Edition retailed for $79.99. Norton 360 Version 4.0 Premier Edition retailed for $99.99. All versions came with one-year subscriptions for virus updates. Norton Internet Security and Norton 360 products could be installed on up to three computers in the same household, making them a value for families with multiple computers.
Removal
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Norton Anti-virus may need a special removal tool to be completely uninstalled. While the software may be removed using the Windows Control Panel, there have been incomplete removals leading to odd errors such as the inability to access the Internet. Symantec offers a free Norton Removal tool to fully remove Norton Anti-virus from a computer. Running the removal tool will remove all Norton products from the computer.
Competitors
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Norton Anti-virus has several competitors. Competitors include McAfee Anti-virus, CA Internet Security, AVG Anti-virus and Avast! Anti-virus. These corporations offer similar packages for virus protection, spyware protection, identity protection and other features. AVG and Avast! offer free versions of their antivirus products. The free version may be downloaded and receive free updates for the life of the product.
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References
Resources
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