Symantec reported this week that Norton Internet Security 2009 and Norton AntiVirus 2009 will each start public beta testing. The 2009 series includes some dramatic changes to the code base, and offers improvements to resource usage and scanning speed. Another new trick for Norton will be Norton Insight, which on the outside looks to take advantage of a new trend in security, application whitelisting.
Symantec offers public beta testing for 2009 lineup. (Image:J.Anderson/Symantec)
Symantec says the development improvements are part of its “zero-impact” goals. There are over three hundred improvements in the works, and some of the metrics are outstanding, assuming they can be reached by the time the 2009 series is shipped to the mass market. Symantec says the beta versions, as they stand now, are on track to deliver “several key metrics including a one-minute installation, the industry’s fastest protection updates, and less than half the memory usage of the next leading competitor.”
That’s a tall order to start with, and with luck the company will keep those metrics in place throughout its beta testing development cycle.
“Based on customer feedback, we viewed performance as the key feature for this release. The Norton 2009 products are designed to give users the award-winning security they count on, while ensuring their PCs run fast,” said Rowan Trollope, Senior Vice President of Consumer Products. “Our goal is to create the fastest security product in the world, hands down.”
The technology that will help with this monumental task is called Norton Insight. Norton Insight uses data from millions of Norton Community members, and “allows the Norton security products to avoid scanning any files that are commonly found on most computers and statistically determined to be trusted.”
Application whitelisting, as it is called, is a new and useful trend in security. Why scan and block applications that are proven trustworthy, when you can focus on scanning the unknown and ever-changing files? Taking this a step further and using community classifications is even better. However, Symantec did not say how the Insight technology works to collect this information, or if the program will be delivered via an opt-in or opt-out approach.
Some of the other listed improvements Symantec mentioned include, Silent Mode, which suspends alerts and updates automatically to avoid interrupting or slowing activities such as games, movies, or presentations. A simple interface and easier navigations system is another upgrade. Navigation and interfaces can be complex for some security applications. One thing about Norton 360 that made it so easy to use was the simple navigation.
Internet Security 2009 also gets some upgrades, including Home Networking management, ID protection, and the Norton Protection system that will watch for Malware and other nasty things. The kicker with Norton Protection is that it comes in layers, something everyone needs on their computer security. Norton’s multilayered protection includes Browser Protection, real-time SONAR protection, Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS), anti-Rootkit, anti-Virus and anti-Spyware technology.
Remember, if you want to take part in the beta testing, then feel free to take part. But be aware that, while the software will be solid, it will likely have some bugs. As a beta tester, you need to report anything and everything to Symantec that seems off centre, ill-fitting or odd. The more information is has to build on, the better.
The Norton Internet Security 2009 and Norton AntiVirus 2009 betas are available by clicking here.
Note: The beta period will only run for 14 days.
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