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the user to turn on, or off, the Auto Protect, Live Update, Worm & Spyware protection, Outgoing & Incoming email, instant message scanning. The general options expand configuration possibilities to provide more control and advanced features like password control for Norton Antivirus settings, special scanning for Microsoft Office documents.

As a default setup, high and medium level security threats are set for automatic resolution but low threats are set to ask what actions to take. While using this in this way avoids deletion of low risk items that contribute to ease of use for internet activity, like the existence of tracking cookies, I found that the incidences are low and from a usability standpoint I would recommend setting automatic removal for low risk items in the exclusion options. If you have any particular difficulty with auto removal for specific file types or folders they also can be excluded in these settings.

There are a couple of unique and special features in Norton Antivirus. The first, SONAR (Symantec Online Network for Advanced Response) Scan is described as a "behavioral detection technology", to identify threats which do not match normal patterns of behavior. The other is the Norton Community Watch, which provides Symantec with selected security and data from your computer, adding to their information available for threat analysis and design of protection updates. Users can opt out of these features through profile settings in the Norton Antivirus Options screen.

For the curious and those that may doubt their antivirus is working can check the reports and statistics in Norton Antivirus. These logs record the date and time of actions taken against security risks, the scans that were run, and a listing of alerts and error messages. There is also a link to Symantec's online virus encyclopedia. This resource provides detail information on the latest and historic threats, risks and vulnerabilities that your computer systems may be subject to.

For users needing help in setup or use of Norton Antivirus there are various options to obtaining qualified assistance. Symantec offers a live chat support capability which users can get real time support. Other options include email and online information resources and guides.

While there is enough information and detail to create computer based hypochondria in the staunchest user, Norton Antivirus' power is in its performance and its automatic operation. When a computer user is secure and can confirm that fact without being aware that they are being protected or having to accept some performance degradation, then the promise of effective an efficient antivirus protection is delivered. No one wants to give up their precious computer recourses and time needlessly. Norton Antivirus delivers.

Learn more about this author, Chuck Moyer.
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