Norton AntiVirus 2005 Special Edition
(version 11.0.16.4)
Google, Symantec
Overall rating: 4.5/5
| | Google Pack contains free Norton antivirus (Norton AntiVirus 2005 Special Edition), as well as many other useful applications. It includes a six-month subscription to antivirus definition updates and is available for Windows XP only.
Download here:
The following features are available:
- Real time protection (computer viruses, worms, trojan horses, spyware, adware),
- E-mail protection,
- Instant messenger (MSN, AOL, Yahoo) protection,
- Auto updater,
- Quarantine for the detected viruses and suspicious files.
The initial download file (Google Updater) was very small as it was the installer part only. Google Updater downloaded and auto installed all necessary software quickly and painlessly. We were allowed to choose what software packages needed to be installed. Please note that if you have a firewall, you will need to let Google Updater through it.
(To see the full-size screenshot, simply click on the thumbnail image.)  | | Installation |
The installation went smoothly, however some additional steps were needed to complete the installation of Norton Antivirus 2005 SE - we needed to run LiveUpdate and reboot the system twice. The registration was optional and we were able to finish the installation with the registration fields blank.
 | | Main window |
The program is easy to use, the interface - easy to navigate and logical. Background colors are cleverly used to alert when attention is needed.
 | | Main window: urgent attention is needed |
 | | Main window: Reports |
 | | Options window: Auto-Protect |
The update was quick and painless.
 | | LiveUpdate |
Norton Antivirus uses heuristic approach to protect against previously unknown viruses.
 | | Options: Bloodhound heuristic |
 | | Virus detected! |
The program's footprint is rather large and its usage on the old hardware is not recommended.
The inbuilt help system is informative and easy to navigate.
 | | Inbuilt help system |
License: Free.
Time limited: Yes, six month only.
Free Support: Yes - e-mail, live chat, phone (installation issues and known bugs only).
Platforms: Windows XP only.
Pros: - Good detection rates,
- Easy to use,
- Protects e-mail,
- Protects instant messengers.
Cons:
- Free for six months only,
- No firewall,
- It is hard to say what is happening at the background - eg when the LiveUpdate is unning,
- Relatively large footprint.
Note: if you need help uninstalling this software, please see this support article.
Our overall verdict for Google Pack Norton Antivirus 2005 SE:
Good antivirus but free for six months only.
Overall rating: 4.5/5 |
; "Installation")
; "Main window")
; "Main window: urgent attention is needed")
; "Main window: Reports")
; "Options window: Auto-Protect")
; "LiveUpdate")
; "Options: Bloodhound heuristic")
; "Virus detected!")
; "Inbuilt help system")