As technology advances, so does the sophistication of cybercriminals. The need for effective antivirus software to protect computers from malicious software has never been more urgent. Norton antivirus is a trusted name in cybersecurity, providing comprehensive protection to millions of users worldwide. This guide is designed for beginners to understand how Norton antivirus works and how to use it to safeguard their digital lives.
1. What is Norton Antivirus?
Norton antivirus is an antivirus software developed by NortonLifeLock, formerly known as Symantec Corporation. It provides protection against viruses, malware, spyware, and other online threats. Norton Antivirus uses advanced security technologies to protect users from online threats and to safeguard their online privacy.
2. Features of Norton Antivirus
Real-time protection
Norton Antivirus provides real-time protection by scanning files and websites in real-time, preventing any malicious software from infiltrating the system. This feature ensures that users are protected from any online threat as soon as it is detected.
Multi-layered security
Norton Antivirus provides multi-layered security that protects users against various types of malware, including viruses, spyware, ransomware, and phishing attacks. The software also includes Norton Safe Web, which warns users about unsafe websites before they visit them.
Cloud backup
Norton Antivirus offers cloud backup for important files, allowing users to access them from anywhere and on any device. This feature provides additional protection against data loss due to system crashes or other technical issues.
Password manager
Norton Antivirus includes a password manager that allows users to create and store strong, unique passwords for all their online accounts. The password manager also provides secure auto-fill options for faster login to online accounts.
3. Norton Antivirus Installation and Setup
System Requirements
Before installing Norton Antivirus, it is essential to ensure that the system meets the minimum requirements. The following are the minimum requirements for installing Norton Antivirus:
- Operating System: Windows 7 or later, macOS X 10.15 or later, Android 6.0 or later, iOS 13 or later
- CPU: 1 GHz or faster
- RAM: 2 GB or more
- Hard Disk Space: 300 MB or more
Downloading Norton Antivirus
To download Norton Antivirus, follow these steps:
- Go to the Norton Antivirus website and select the product you want to download.
- Click on the Download button and save the installation file.
- Wait for the download to complete.
Installing Norton Antivirus
To install Norton Antivirus, follow these steps:
- Double-click the installation file and follow the prompts to complete the installation.
- Enter the product key when prompted.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
4. Norton Antivirus User Interface
The Norton Antivirus user interface is user-friendly, providing easy navigation to various features of the software. The following are some of the features of the user interface:
Dashboard
The Norton Antivirus dashboard provides an overview of the system’s security status, including the scan status, subscription status, and protection history.
Scan Types
Norton Antivirus provides three types of scans: Full system scan, Quick scan, and Custom scan. The Full system scan scans the entire system, whereas the Quick scan scans only critical areas of the system. The Custom scan allows users to select specific folders or files to scan.
Quarantine
The Quarantine feature in Norton Antivirus isolates and secures suspicious files detected during the scan. This feature allows users to review the quarantined files and either delete or restore them.
Settings
The settings feature in Norton Antivirus allows users to customize their preferences, such as scan schedule, firewall settings, and notifications.
5. Norton Antivirus Scanning Options
Full system scan
The Full system scan in Norton Antivirus scans the entire system for viruses, malware, and other online threats. This scan may take several hours, depending on the size of the system.
Quick scan
The Quick scan in Norton Antivirus scans only critical areas of the system, such as system memory, startup programs, and registry. This scan is faster than the Full system scan and can be completed within a few minutes.
Custom scan
The Custom scan in Norton Antivirus allows users to select specific folders or files to scan. This scan is useful when users want to scan specific files or folders for viruses or malware.
6. Norton Antivirus Firewall and Network Protection
Firewall settings
Norton Antivirus includes a firewall that provides an additional layer of protection against online threats. The firewall settings can be customized to allow or block specific applications or websites.
Intrusion Prevention
Norton Antivirus also includes an intrusion prevention feature that blocks unauthorized access to the system. This feature monitors incoming and outgoing network traffic and blocks any suspicious activity.
Network monitoring
Norton Antivirus also includes network monitoring that detects any suspicious network activity and prevents unauthorized access to the system.
7. Norton Antivirus Subscription Plans and Pricing
Norton Antivirus offers different subscription plans to meet different user needs. The following are the subscription plans offered by Norton Antivirus:
- Norton Antivirus Plus: $19.99 per year
- Norton 360 Standard: $39.99 per year
- Norton 360 Deluxe: $49.99 per year
- Norton 360 with LifeLock Select: $99.99 per year
8. Norton Antivirus Customer Support
Norton Antivirus offers excellent customer support to help users with any issues related to the software. The following are the customer support options offered by Norton Antivirus:
Phone Support
Norton Antivirus offers phone support to help users with any technical issues related to the software. Users can call the customer support number and speak to a technician for assistance.
Live Chat
Norton Antivirus also offers live chat support for users who prefer to communicate online. Users can chat with a technician and get their issues resolved quickly.
Community Support
Norton Antivirus also has an online community where users can ask questions and get help from other Norton Antivirus users.
9. Norton Antivirus Tips and Tricks
Keep software up-to-date
It is essential to keep Norton Antivirus and other software up-to-date to ensure maximum protection against online threats.
Use strong passwords
Using strong, unique passwords for online accounts is crucial to prevent hackers from accessing sensitive information.
Avoid suspicious emails and links
Users should avoid opening suspicious emails or clicking on suspicious links to prevent malware infections.
Enable automatic updates
Enabling automatic updates for Norton Antivirus ensures that the software is always up-to-date with the latest security features and virus definitions.
Use a VPN
Using a virtual private network (VPN) adds an extra layer of security and privacy when browsing the internet.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Norton Antivirus is a comprehensive and reliable antivirus software that provides excellent protection against online threats. Its user-friendly interface, customizable settings, and multiple scanning options make it an ideal choice for beginners. With its firewall and network protection features, users can rest assured that their system is secure from any unauthorized access. Additionally, Norton Antivirus offers various subscription plans and excellent customer support options. By following some basic tips and tricks, users can maximize the effectiveness of Norton Antivirus and ensure their online security and privacy.
FAQs
- Can Norton Antivirus protect against all types of online threats?
Norton Antivirus can protect against most online threats, including viruses, malware, and phishing attacks. However, no antivirus software can guarantee 100% protection against all types of online threats.
- Can I use Norton Antivirus on multiple devices?
Yes, Norton Antivirus offers subscription plans that allow users to use the software on multiple devices.
- How often should I run a full system scan with Norton Antivirus?
It is recommended to run a full system scan with Norton Antivirus at least once a week to ensure maximum protection against online threats.
- Can Norton Antivirus detect and remove spyware?
Yes, Norton Antivirus can detect and remove spyware, adware, and other types of malware.
- What should I do if I encounter technical issues with Norton Antivirus?
Users can contact Norton Antivirus customer support via phone or live chat for assistance with any technical issues related to the software.