This is the latest version of one of the best known Anti-Virus programs. It is an upgrade to version 4 which was a top rated program for many years, I can see this version joining its older siblings. Symantec spends millions of dollars a year on their virus research center and it shows. With 30+ researchers around the world looking at 200+ virus a month I can only say good thing someone is doing it.

Installation of the program was simple, standard Windows installation routine. Insert the CD and either click on the setup file or let the auto-insert bring up the install screen. While installing there are a few options to be chosen, like most programs I recommend using the typical install, unless you need to place the files on a different drive than c: Let the setup routine set NAV (Norton Anti-Virus) to run at boot and while running, scan downloaded files and watch out for other virus entry points. Near the end of the installation there is an option to register the product electronically, again a smooth operation. The only other necessity is to run the "Live-Update", which is a Symantec program that connects to their server and downloads the latest program patches and virus updates. Live update can be connected through a modem (toll call) or over the Internet (free except for your connect time charges). Having done this you are ready to reboot and be safe.

The default set-up scans all executable files (com.exe) and does a thorough scan the first time. Subsequent boots scan the root directory and boot records only. You can change the setting to have it scan compressed files and other such files that may carry a virus in some hidden method. I left the room so I can't say how long it takes to do a full scan but depending on the number of programs you have on the machine allow some time for that scan.

I then began using some programs and actually opened a file I knew had a virus, it had been detected in the past and I was just checking, nothing like playing with fire and trusting a program to do its job. NAV found the virus and repaired the file, if it had not found the virus I would have been upset, but it did and if it did not have the remedy for the virus it would have used a new feature in the program. Quarantine is a method that you can use to separate the file from the rest of the system, send it to Symantec and they will look at it and then if there is a remedy found, clean the file. This sounds like a risky proposition and hopefully won't happen to anyone but it is good to see they are working toward securing all machines.

I then began browsing the net and downloading files, just like version 4 of NAV, version 5 intercepts downloaded file and checks them before presenting you with a save window. NAV 5 also has improved security against JAVA and Active X virii. If you are unfamiliar with those terms, I recommend you do a little research on them. What this means is that while surfing the internet and neat little graphical things happen on your screen or a Java applet that makes things look neat is running, you can relax a little because NAV is on the job.

I happen to like Norton Anti-Virus 5, I think it works well and has minimal problems with other programs (especially install programs). It doesn't take a major resource chunk out of my hardware and the live update feature is easy to use, with weekly virus definition updates this is important and it can be scheduled. The protection while surfing in one integrated program is also a plus. The price is suggested at $79.95 but there are discounts available along with rebate programs.

Competition in this market is not all that wide spread, McAfee Anti-Virus (now owned by NAI), Dr. Solomon's Anti-virus which was recently acquired by McAfees parent company. Anti-Virus ToolKit is another program from a smaller company and Innoculan by Computer Associates (IBM has joined with Symantec in the Anti-Virus offerings). All get high ratings and it depends on which magazine you read as to who is the best. I stated earlier that I like NAV and I still do.

What ever Anti-Virus you go with make sure that you update the virus definitions on a regular basis or you will not have a safety net against the newest ones. I forgot to mention, Symantec now offers 1 year of free Virus updates, it will then be about $5 a year for additional files, still cheap.