Features

• PC and home-network protection against viruses and blended threats
• Personal firewall; privacy protection; W-Fi intrusion detection
• New anti-phishing, home-network control, and vulnerability assessment
• Improved spam filtering; enhanced spyware detection and removal
• Comprehensive virus security and integrated protection; easy to use

Features

• PC and home-network protection against viruses and blended threats
• Personal firewall; privacy protection; W-Fi intrusion detection
• New anti-phishing, home-network control, and vulnerability assessment
• Improved spam filtering; enhanced spyware detection and removal
• Comprehensive virus security and integrated protection; easy to use

Features

• Essential protection from viruses, hackers, and privacy threats
• AntiVirus; Personal Firewall keeps personal data in and hackers out
• Privacy Control prevents personal info from being sent out without approval
• AntiSpam filters out unwanted email and helps protect against email fraud
• Parental Control blocks access to inappropriate Web sites and newsgroups

Features

• Easy-to-use program protects computer from hackers and online thieves
• Intrusion-prevention technology provides an additional layer of security
• Prevents personal information from being sent out without approval
• Switches security settings when laptop moves from network to network
• Makes computer invisible on the Internet; intelligent protection

Product Description

McAfee VirusScan 9.0 Home Mini Box .McAfee VirusScan provides advanced, real-time protection against viruses, mass-mailing worms, Trojans, and potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) such as spyware, adware and dialers. It protects against the threats that originate from e-mail, instant messaging, Internet downloads, file sharing programs, and Web surfing, automatically detecting and cleaning infected files before they can attack your system. Whether you're a novice computer user or a pro, McAfee VirusScan provides the ultimate in PC protection with its award-winning threat prevention technology. Automatic and virtually effortless, the software provides a safe and worry-free online experience. ... Read more

Features

• More efficient at handling today's larger file sizes (e.g., MP3s, digital photos), VirusScan automatically scans inbound (POP3) and outbound (SMTP) email and email attachments for most popular email clients.
• Prevents viruses when emailing, downloading and surfing
• Quickly detects and helps delete potentially unwanted applications (PUPs) like key-loggers, Web dialers, pop-ups and adware that can rob personally identifiable information or slow your Web surfing.
• VirusScan scans Instant Message attachments sent via AOL Instant Messenger, Yahoo Messenger and Windows Messenger.
• Whenever new viruses attack, McAfee VirusScan automatically updates itself with the latest virus definitions (DATs), silently in the background without interrupting your work.

Reviews (17)

Super! McAfee is BACK!
I'm a Norton user, have been since 2000.Studies were posted showing this was a better product.Next Windows XP had problems with McAfee and Norton beat them to the contract, developing a certified product first.HOWEVER, Norton is now the slacker.While on top, sucking up the money of millions, Norton is turning it's attention to other things.I love McAfee, now.Norton AntiVirus 2003 & 2004 will not catch the W32Spybot.Norton Internet Secrutiy will slow down your network, not allow you to EVER turn off Norton Internet Security, and cannot be uninstalled (must rip it out of the registry).In effect they take over your PC like NetZero, AOL, and much like a trojan.When I bought McAfee 9.0 2005 to replace Norton 2004 it caught the following:
- (2) Trojans: Exploit MhtRedir.gen
- (1) Trojan: Exploit CodeBase.gen
- (1) Virus: EICAR test file
Also, McAfee is very price considerate to their coupon people(...).I don't know what took them (4) years, but they are back in my book.

Rebate woes
I thought about going on with a tirade about how McAfee offers rebates on their products that never arrive. But too many people have beaten me to the punch. There are whole websites devoted to people who spent six months trying to get a promised rebate from them. My story is not at all original, I bought the product and carefully included everything the rebate asked for, mailed the whole shebang in and waited...and waited...and waited and FINALLY received a letter in reply saying that my claim was rejected because of missing form xxx. "I'll have to take your word on that boys as you kept all the forms that I sent to yourselves instead of returning them with this note!!"
I could have fought them over this but why bother it's only $20 and I have no leverage.
Instead I'll just have to content my self with this little tirade...Oh and perhaps post alink to a company that lets you download a *FREE VERSION** of their commercial anti-virus software. [...]

At least it works this time
I had given up McAfee back with Version 7.0 when I could not get it to work and received -- let's say less than adequate support.I went to Norton Antivirus & Personal Firewall with version 2004 when my OEM installed McAfee on my new desktop and OEM Norton on my laptop were ready to be upgraded.

The Norton software worked quite well for about 7 months.When I downloaded the updates around the first of Feb 05 from Symantec, I could not stop my laptop from going to the dreaded Blue Screen of Death (BSOD).After completely giving up on being able to get the Symantec to run on my laptop, I decided to give the McAfee Antivirus 2005 9.0 a try.At least it works and does not crash my system (yet).It does lack some of the intelligence of the Norton product.The Norton product had a nice feature to create rules to help recognize activities on the laptop that were not malicious.This kept it from constantly stopping or flagging activities that were ok.The McAfee lacks this degree of intelligence.

But, like I said, it runs.Which is far more than I can say for the 2/05 updates to Symantec's Norton products.

I may give my Norton a try again in a month or two to see if Symantec has fixed the problems.But I will not hold my breath.

I would prefer to have Microsoft get into the Antivirus and robust firewall arena so that we can have a product that we can at least have more confidence in its ability to play nice with the Windows kernal.

Maybe it's good stuff (?)included printed material isn't
I bought a copy of 9.0 locally because I've always used McAfee and online updating is a bad joke with my connection. The first version, whatever it was, came preinstalled on my Gateway and came with no print documentation. Next up I bought a copy of 6.0 and got the print stuff, no real problems if a guy would just read directions I guess. I updated that one online but made mistakes (their system wasn't clear enough for me and the download took too much time)and decided to go and buy software this time based on the reputation I'd heard McAfee had.
I was pleased to read, on the box, that just about any PC out there could run this thing but I was dismayed to find next to no printed material in the box. The box itself almost has more info than the sorry little scrap of paper inside. Quick Start Guide they all it and that's about all you get, a quick run through on preparing your PC and installation of the product. I'm not very computer literate and this thing seems to be written for Windows XP (I'm using '98). Any real operations information seems to be contained on the CD-ROM (so you'd better not throw that away), I'm not entirely sure I can figure out how to open it up- I want it in print. Another thing I don't like is that the software seems to be autogeared to search and update on it's own- not one word in print anywhere about that.
Next time I may just see about using somebody else's software.

Don't buy this piece of crap.
This software gave me only problems, I have Win98SE,My computer was working fine before the installation of McAfee 9.0, It caused my computer to lock up every time when scaning for virus. After restarting my computer this antivirus was forbiding access to several files vital for a the computer to run, I couldn't uninstall it because did not let me open my control panel. So my computer became unuseful. I was able to start in safe mode and disable the crap. Then I used the manual scan option, it found a virus call W32\FunLove.gen it said that the files have been cleaned. I ran the manual scan again and it found the same virus in the same files previously cleaned!!. I did it 3 times and it was always finding the same virus. What a nightmare. I installed it in another computer with Win98 in it, did the same thing. Is unvelibable that a new software can perfome some badly, it is a rip off. Besides all the support of McAfee is terrible there is no 1-800 numbers and you have to pay by the minute to talk to technicians. Don't buy this crap!! ... Read more

Features

• Keeps hackers out and personal data in
• Makes your Mac invisible on the Internet--a powerful deterrent to hackers
• Control outbound as well as inbound connections
• Includes firewall status window, self-test mode, and comprehensive logs
• Easy set-up--just choose minimal, medium, or maximum protection

Features

• Safeguards your online financial transactions
• Protects your personal data from online intruders
• Updates automatically to protect against new threats
• Inbound-Outbound Monitoring

Features

• Provides essential protection from viruses, hackers, and privacy threats
• Norton AntiVirus removes viruses from email messages, Internet downloads, & more
• Norton Personal Firewall hides your computer on the Internet
• Norton Intrusion Detection automatically blocks suspicious connections
• Norton Privacy Control prevents confidential information from being unknowingly released

Reviews (234)

Avoid
Overpriced and underpowered..... This software is more annoying then anything else. You practically have to turn off every setting to get your networked printers and network games to work, for example.
(...)

A poorly designed product
It took me a day to install this product. If you do choose to use this product be sure to uninstall all other norton virus and internet security products even tho the instructions say that norton 2003 is uninstalled automatically--it isin't!! My computer now crashes frequently since I began using this product. My advice is to stay clear of this product until they get it fixed. One other point--don't count on getting any technical help form Symantec--they don't even have decent free help installing the product let alone using it.

Stay as far away from this as you can....
I recommended this for my father based on my experience with previous versions. I wish I'd done some research first....

My father installed it on his desktop (a Dell running WinME) without any problems. When the system asked him to reboot, he said he'd do it later because it was late, and simply shut down the computer. The next morning he discovered the worst.

When he tried to boot up the computer, it started booting up normally, but when it got to his desktop, that's all he got - a blank desktop. No icons, no start menu, nothing. In fact, CTRL-ALT-DEL shows that nothing is running. Weird huh? Even weirder is that when he tried to go into 'Safe Mode', the exact same thing happens. I'm not sure what NIS 2004 did to his computer, but nothing short of reinstalling his entire system would get it to boot up.

Now comes the fun part - Symantec Technical Support and Customer Service. They don't exist. The only free tech support they have is email based, and run by people in India, who apparently don't speak English. I sent them email after email telling them that the system wouldn't boot up, and every time the sent back replies telling me to go to the 'Start Menu' and go here and there and do this and that. The just didn't get the fact that I couldn't load Windows.

So, I thought I'd give them a call to complain about the terrible tech support. I looked up their number on the internet and called. I got routed around the country to different phone systems, and then sat on hold for over two hours before I finally got frustrated enough to hang up and write the Better Business Bureau. Needless to say, I won't be installing this product on my own computer, and unless Symantec makes some major changes to the base program, won't be buying any more of their products.

If you're a computer guru, you might be able to get it to work, in which case this is a good program. The problem is, I'm a computer guru, and I couldn't make it work...

Waste of Money
This software won't allow my computer to access the internet. No email gets through. All web pages are inaccessible. When the problem first occurred, I disabled the software to go to Symantec's website and followed Symantec's automated online instructions to configure it. This fixed the problem for the rest of that day, but then the problem recurred the next time I rebooted. Symantec's human tech support is $30 per incident! Why should I throw bad money after good? I'm writing this off as a $40 mistake. You're better off with a $40 router and/or some freeware security software. Norton Anti-Virus may be pretty good, but the rest of this Internet Security package sucks.

Disappointed in California
I have been a Norton Internet Security user for years with total satisfaction. Upgrading to the 2004 version has nearly destroyed my Microsoft Outlook - it took hours to get back my previous Emails and more importantly my Address Book. It is still not as it was, but at least I can see everything. My Freecell is totally unusable. Also having problems with Word. The Symantec website has many articles to read to 'fix' what is broken by uploading the product. Too bad they didn't put as much effort into fixing it. I'm deleting this version from my computer and moving to something that will work! ... Read more

Features

• The power of MAC Address Filtering in a simple intuitive interface
• Unique continuous background network scanning detects intruders who’ve evaded security
• Ideal for parents
• Reports user names and times of use
• Monitors who’s behind on the network, even behind closed doors

Amazon.com Product Description

BlackICE PC Protection is the next-generation software release of the BlackICE Defender title from Internet Security Systems. The new version offers significantly improved protection against inbound and outbound threats to deliver comprehensive firewall and intrusion protection to your PC. Novices will enjoy BlackICE PC Protection's no-nonsense approach to the security process and its intuitive interface, while more sophisticated users will appreciate its industrial-grade protection and control features. Most importantly, though, this combination of firewall and fast, unobtrusive intrusion protection guards the privacy of any home or office PC. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Easy to use, excellent software
I've owned and used BlackIce for over 7 years now. In all it's upgrades, it has been a non-intrusive, easy to use and effective software product.
The honest truth about this software is: It does a fantastic job of logging internet intrusions and STOPPING them. There is no combination of intrusion attempts that can get past this product and I've tried over the years. The interface is easy to understand and quite minimal for a product of such stature. It also boasts an effective internal application protection feature, which I don't really use (because my computer isn't full of trojan, virus, or otherwise and I never install what I don't know). Of all the other reviews below, the reviewer from Petaluma, Ca is the honest and accurate one. My experiences with the product are similar to his experiences. Be warned that some people who like the FREE ZoneAlarm, make reviews for Blackice which simply are not true. There are security reviews, you can find on the internet, which fully test Blackice and find it's a very solid and strong product which has no equal.

I used this before I discovered Linux
With Linux, you can do anything you can do with BlackIce and 5,000 things you can't. Worth a few days learning how to write filters to block out things.

Bad Investment
This Software is not worth the money or the trouble. I had problems since day one when I installed this piece of junk. My start up programs would not load when the application protection feature is on. Even talking to the support people still haven't got the damn software to work the way is suppose to. Piece of advice. Do not purchase this piece of junk. Stick to Symantec there are far better with their software than what this people is. This BlackIce piece of junk it ain't worth the time or the money. This is the worst software I ever bought.

Beware this product!
I recently purchased this product. It did not function. repeated e-mails to the manufacturer got no response. Purchase at your own risk.

Many Biased Opinions
I've used Blackice for a long time and I'm very satisfied. So many people get confused with the older versions of this software and the latest (3.6) and say that it can't filter outbound traffic. The latest version does do this very well. I've tried every internet firewall test i could find and blackice passed all of them 100%, including gibson research corporation's shields up! and leaktest. I did have to manually tweak the config file to get the thing to block ICMP pings, but it was easy. I especially like the interface, which is straightforward and doesn't use any flashy graphics to look good, it's just a piece of software that sits there and does its job. ... Read more

Features

• Norton Personal Firewall hides your PC from hackers
• Norton Intrusion Detection automatically blocks suspicious connections
• Norton Privacy Control prevents personal data from being unknowingly released
• New Norton AntiSpam keeps unwanted messages out of your inbox
• Norton Productivity Control limits Web site and newsgroup access

Reviews (24)

Simply awful
My husband was so frustrated with MANY problems that he finally uninstalled the whole mess. Even getting it off his machine took 2 days. For the first time in his life, he considered suicide.

It slowed my PC down (and I have a new AMD). I cannot access IE without disabling Internet Security Professional (this started out of the blue a couple months ago). I'm afraid to even try to uninstall it. I'll probably end up taking it in to a shop and having them uninstall it - and paying.

I will never buy from Norton again. I thought Norton was supposed to have a reputable product. It's trash.

Great Product... With One Exception... Caveat Emptor
For the past several years I have used various Symantec/Norton products. Furthermore, as an IT professional I typically recommend their products to family and friends, primarily because of the User Friendly consoles.

However, as my subscription was about to expire for updates, I recently upgraded to Norton Internet Security Professional 2004 (NISP2K4) from 2003 (non-Pro) . I encountered a problem which I have found to be fairly common among folks who use multiple user profiles on their machines. I found users of 2000, XP Home, and XP Pro were all affected.

I am running XP Professional w/ three (3) user profiles (one work related, one for personal use, and one for wife). Each profile has it's own separate e-mail account set up in Outlook.

Before loading NISP2K4, I was not experiencing any problems. Following the installation, whenever I start Outlook after switching profiles, I receive the message listed below:

Microsoft Visual C++ Runtime Library
Runtime Error!
Program C:\ProgramFiles\MicrosoftOffice\Office10\OUTLOOK.EXE
This application has requested the Runtime to terminate it in an unusual way. Please contact the applications support team for more information.

Troubleshooting Steps: I initially performed an Uninstall (including shared files) and then performed a Custom Install, selecting a single configuration for all profiles on the machine. Still receiving error messages.

Conducted the following Google search: (Norton Internet Security 2004 Outlook Runtime Error terminate)

Based upon some of the postings I read, this is a widespread and common problem with users of machines with more than one profile. I found a work around which disables the Norton Anti Spam toolbar, but still am seeking permanent solution which would leave the toolbar intact and not generate the error message.

If this problem is not resolved soon and integrated into future updates of Internet Security Pro 2004, I hope it will be integrated into the 2005 release and since I complained we might receive a free upgrade.

Sitting here thinking about it a little more, I realize that the problem may be specifically with the Anti-Spam portin of the suite. Will update with any responses I get from Symantec/Norton Tech Support.

As they say, Caveat Emptor... Buyer Beware!

Gives meaning to the word 'safe'
This is very good. My pc has never been faster, and more safe. Plus you get Norton Antivirus Professional 2004 for free with this! Very good protection and regularly updated. Firewall gets a Truestealth rating on Gibon Research's ShieldsUp! test (https://grc.com/x/ne.dll?bh0bkyd2).
Only problem with the popup blocker (which works just fine by the way) is that some sites that use popups to navigate don't work. Luckily you can define not only what sites should be allowed to display popups, but also what PART of the site. It is possible to have the main site display popups and another part blocked.
I have seen people having problems with installing it. The problem seems to be that after installing and rebooting the program does not start, only a tray icon with a red cross. Pointing at this icon causes it to dissapear. Also, it is impossible to activate and register the program. I have a solution so more people can enjoy this fine program (cause you shouldn't expect much help from Symantec)
This solution only works for Windows XP. Sorry...
First, uninstall EVERY Symantec program you've got. After you are CLEAN of those programs, do the following:

A. C:\Program Files\Symantec (this could already be removed)
A. C:\Program Files\Common Files. Delete the Symantex Shared map.
C. C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data. (If Application Data isn't visible, enable 'view hidden files in Map options). Delete the Symantec map COMPLETELY.

D. Each account that the programs have been used on also have files (check all of them). See C:\Documents and Settings\(enter user-name here)\Application Data. Delete the Symamtec map.
E. ****These are register deletes. It is advisable to make a backup before you do this****
Open the Regedit (type Regedit in the Execute window(or whatever that is in English, I have a Dutch version). (Or go to Task Manager, New Task, and typ Regedit).
Now go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE. Delete the Symantec map.
Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE and delete the Symantec map here.

I would do a reboot at this point. After that, install Internet Security. This time, the registration window will appear.

Bad Product For Developers..
The "Norton/Symantic" Shepard is much worse than the "Adware" Wolf. If you are a developer or need access to local development tools such as IIS, DON'T INSTALL THIS PRODUCT. I'm sorry I didn't read the Amazon reviews before I installed. It'll kill your machine's speed, IIS localhost and you'll either have to reformat OR IF YOUR LUCKY Restore to an earlier restore point. - (thanks to windows XP restore). I was lucky. Worst part is that there's no way to get a refund. I can't imagine how a large company like Symantec could put out such an ill conceived product - and even worse - a very sick help-and-support department. Talk about internet wolves. Get McAffee for antivirus and ZoneAlarm for Internet Security. Much better.

Norton support has really deteriorated
I am on Amazon tonight to look up alternatives to Norton Anti-Virus because of their poor maintenance. (They have outsourced their maintenance, I think to India, and there is such difficulty and so many emails exchanged to try to get understanding and answers that I eventually just gave up on the anti-spam package and will never buy it again. I have had better results with the corporate version of anti-virus, but even with the business edition I have to wait very lengthy times to get to a customer service representative, but the ones I have gotten have been really great. But they are sitting at a phone right here in the USA. I have been a long time giving up on Norton because of past history. I started with windows back in the days of Windows 3.1 and Norton had wonderful software that filled the gaps in Windows and made the Windows experience better. I was also treated extremely badly when I tried to complain to the corporate/sales people about my dislike of and disapproval of outsourcing. The person ultimately hung up when I asked that my comments be relayed to her superiors. All of that being said, I feel my instincts were right and I am not even going to consider Norton, especially for a combination product. I also feel that the quality of the products are worse. They used to be much easier to configure and get working. These problems started before their firewall product, but that one was a particularly difficult product to deal with compared to many products in Norton's pass. Well, ultimately even a very loyal customer like me has to wonder whether it is time to give up. ... Read more

Features

• Essential protection from viruses, hackers, and privacy threats
• AntiVirus; Personal Firewall keeps personal data in and hackers out
• Privacy Control prevents personal info from being sent out without approval
• AntiSpam filters out unwanted email and helps protect against email fraud
• Parental Control blocks access to inappropriate Web sites and newsgroups

Features

• Places an easy-to-use, always on-guard barrier between hackers and your hard drive
• Denies outbound Internet access to malicious applications that might surreptitiously transmit personal data to hackers
• Fingerprints trusted programs to connect without unnecessary or false alarm alerts
• Easy-to-read graphical maps showing the source of hostile attacks and traffic worldwide
• Links to a dedicated anti-hacking database and Worldwide Hacker Activity Map

Reviews (4)

Poor excuse of a Firewall
Have had McAfee Personal Firewall Plus 2004 v. 5.0 for about 3 months. Installs easy, easy setup, no crashes, very compatible. Would I recommend this Firewall? NO WAY, NO HOW...

Never scaned my ports, figuring McAfee was doing a good job. Big mistake. By chance one day, I did a free port scan at grc.com. First scan showed 4 ports open. NOT GOOD....

So went to built-in "McAfee Scan Your Ports" Showed 1 of the 4 PORTS OPEN. Reason only showed 1 OPEN PORT is McAfee's port scanner, "Hacker Watch" only scans the SAME 9 PORTS, and this takes over 4 minutes to do so. At GRC.com, this site scans 1055 in little over 1 minute. Also same results at dslreports.com/scan., verifying grc.com findings/results. Ports still open 80% of time.

OK I change settings higher. Only can go up 1 setting, without shutting ALL In AND OUT TRAFFIC OFF. Still same results, OPEN PORTS. FAQs don't help, so email McAfee Tech Support. That was two weeks ago. Since then have emailed every other day, no reply... Waited to hear from McAfee Support before writting this review, but no reply... Not going telephone route at 2.95 minute. Can buy better Firewall for 10 minutes talk time, or even free Firewall.

Also McAfee is hookup with many other software utilities, and these popup all the time. Tried to shut these off but can't. Think many software companies distribute their programs before complete. Can happen, but no support not forgivable. Hope uninstall works? Don't go with McAfee Firewall, or you might be writing one of these sad stories.

A good program but for one ruinous flaw.
Think of Network Associates' McAfee Personal Firewall Plus 5.0.1.5 as an average automobile that can be driven by everyone. Think of ZoneLab's ZoneAlarm Pro 4.5 (published for retail through Broderbund) as a feature-ladened "modified" car, which can also be driven by everyone, but is only truly appreciated by those with the know-how to tinker under the hood to realize maximum performance.

Personal Firewall Plus is an easy-to-use firewall for the average home user. The choice between PFP and Zone Lab's top-rated ZoneAlarm Pro 4.5 will depend on your taste for technical detail and proactivity. Though PFP has fewer features than ZoneAlarm Pro, Personal Firewall Plus compensates with a simpler interface and generally less intrusive operation.

The major operating difference between ZoneAlarm Pro and Personal Firewall Plus is that ZoneAlarm's security controls are much more granular. PFP only has four general settings for the firewall: Trusting, Standard, Tight, and Lockdown; and three Internet access settings for programs: Full Access, Block, and Allow Outbound Traffic Only. Personal Firewall Plus simplifies the firewall configuration process by integrating with Hackerwatch.org, a Network Associates sponsored database of global geographically- and temporally-tracked information security intrusions and virus infections. Hackerwatch provides Personal Firewall Plus with some basic intelligence to automatically determine which programs should be allowed access or denied to the Internet, without bothering the user for permission. PFP will not bother you to let common applications (such as Internet Explorer, Netscape, MSN Messenger, Outlook Express, etc.) access the Internet. In practice, this feature works well but is not as smart as it should be. As of this writing, Hackerwatch does not recognize some common or fairly new applications that use Internet access for ancillary purposes, such Intuit's TurboTax 2003 for downloading the latest program updates and tax code revisions. Given Network Associates' work in corporate-level network security, Hackerwatch's slight ineptitude is somewhat surprising.

Personal Firewall Plus provides occasional pop-up notices from Hackerwatch on the latest virii and security alerts. While the notices may be thought of as informative (especially to those who use don't use anti-virus software), they may also be construed as advertisements for McAfee VirusScan. Fortunately, these pop-up notices may be turned off.

For $10 more (retail), ZoneAlarm Pro offers a bevy of privacy features and precision security settings that Personal Firewall Plus lacks. ZoneAlarm Pro has an ID Lock, a pop-up blocker, a cache cleaner, and a mobile-code (JavaScript, Java, ActiveX, etc.) blocker. ZoneAlarm Pro also has a program manager that can selectively authorize program access to the Internet down to specific program modules; and a site manager to selectively specify for websites users have visited whether cookies, pop-up / pop-under windows, and application code (JavaScript, Java, ActiveX) etc., are accepted or blocked. With the exception of the pop-up blocker, these features should be configured by technically experienced users in order to be effective. For example, ZoneAlarm Pro's ID Lock feature, which intercepts and alerts the user to browser and e-mail traffic that transmit personal information, such as private e-mail addresses, social security numbers, etc., begins with a high number of false positives. It takes some knowledge and experimentation to configure the ID Lock properly; to know what information different websites should be entitled to or barred from.

Like any other firewall, Personal Firewall Plus is meant to be paired with anti-virus software. Of note, MSN Premium broadband internet service subscribers receive Personal Firewall Plus and Network Associates' McAfee VirusScan for free as part of their subscription. The VirusScan and Personal Firewall Plus bundle (and its competitor bundles from Symantec) are also sometimes significantly discounted or available for free after rebate. I have never seen ZoneAlarm Pro significantly discounted.

Unfortunately, Personal Firewall Plus has one ruinous flaw: the program deactivates itself when checking whether a user's subscription service (to keep the program updated against the latest hack attacks) is current and valid. In fact, the onus is placed on the user to be alert to this circumstance and to manually reactivate the firewall. It is unbelievable that a firewall would leave a computer open and unprotected to attack, just to check its customer's credentials. It is akin to having your car secretly unlock itself while unattended in a public place to verify with its manufacturer that you owned the vehicle.

As a result, I recommend that prospective customers buy ZoneAlarm Pro instead. At the very least, ZoneAlarm Pro users are entitled to continue to use whatever version of the program installed at the time of a subscription service lapse, however intentional or accidental. In similar scenarios, Personal Firewall Plus users would unexpectedly find themselves at a terrible disadvantage.

Avoid all McAfee products
Pros:

- It works?? I don't know - it's never done anything on my computer, so maybe it hasn't been tested yet.

- It can be obtained free after mail-in rebates.

Cons:

- Starting around a month before your update subscription ends, McAfee "Buy New Subscription" pop-ups appear, you click on the x to close and they disappear...... for 60 seconds. Then they reappear, you click on the x ..... a minute later it comes back. There are only two ways to stop these popups - go online with your credit card number to McAfee.com to resubscribe to their update service or uninstall the McAfee program. Customer service and tech support both refused to tell me how to disable these continuously reappearing and incredibly annoying pop-ups.

- Tech support is virtually non-existant, unless you call in to their $2.95/minute or $39.99/issue support lines. E-mails get canned, non-responsive answers. The FAQ section of their website has no responses to real questions and the "24/7" tech support chat system is always busy or non-functional - its unavailable 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

- Having registered a previous version of a McAfee product may prevent you from getting updates on subsequent versions that the user legitimately acquires. I bought both Viruscan Professional 8.0 and Personal Firewall Plus, after getting VS Home 7.0 (both were free after rebates - the only reason I purchased them) and when the auto update tries to give me the current update of my new programs when I go online, it tells me "You are not authorized to receive this service." An e-mail to customer support got me back a confirmation that I am properly registered for the two new programs and I should have no problems. I guess continuing to receive the "You are not authorized to receive this service" response when I try to update the virus database isn't a problem for McAfee. However, it is a darn big problem for me.

-Who knows what sort of spy-ware McAfee installs on your computer with its standard installation? A quick check with Windows Explorer reveals that their uninstallation procedure does not uninstall 100% of the components of the McAfee software you have installed, that is for sure.

Avoid this horribly run company and its products. Even though it's not costing me any more than tax and postage after the rebates to re-subscribe, I think that's still the opposite of a bargain and I regret my decision to stay with McAfee. In retrospect, I should have gone with either Norton or one of their competitors.

Great app!
This app is worth the money! Keeps everything out that doesn't belong! And, unlike the rest of the 2004 line up from McAfee, it doesn't crash every time you open it!

For Firewalls, go with McAfee, for Virus scanners, go with McAfee, but don't buy QuickClean or InternetSecurity (very crash prone). ... Read more

Features

• Hides your PCs on the Internet so hackers can¿t see them
• Norton Intrusion Detection automatically blocks Internet attacks
• Norton Privacy Control prevents data from being sent without your knowledge
• Program Control determines which applications can safely connect to the Internet
• LiveUpdate automatically checks for new protection updates when you¿re online

Reviews (22)

Norton Firewall 2004 Causing More Stress Than Its Worth
After having such a great experience with Nortion Antivirus over the last several years, I just assumed that Norton would have a good firewall program too. I was wrong. First and most irritating, my computer became extremely slow on start up after installing the program (adding about 4 - 5 minutes!), despite having a new computer with more than enough drive space and RAM. I removed the program for awhile and regained normal start up speed. Second, the popup warnings are a mixed benefit. While it does block some obviously bad attempts to access my computer, I sometimes have to tell it 10 or 15 times within a few minutes to allow access from permissable sources even though I am clicking "always allow" access from this source. Third, the privacy blocker seems like a good idea (you enter in your private info that you do not want sent over the computer such as your home address, phone, etc), but I had to turn that feature off when I tried to make a purchase on-line DESPITE clicking "ALLOW" about 20 times. The warning window repeatedly popped up every time I clicked allow. The program just didn't get it. I keep checking the Norton website for patches, but to date there are none. Today I was so fed up with the slow start up that I removed the program again. So much for my $50.00... I say it's worth about $5.00

Why did you do it - Norton?
Recently bought new computer preloaded with Personal Firewall 2003 - had problems accessing some website features but was able to fix following excellent advice from ATT. Received message from Symantec saying my version should be upgraded to 2004 version - BIG mistake - cannot access ANY website (including Symantec) with Firewall enabled - no matter what! - no advice available from Symantec website (unless I pay $29.95 per call) - very unprofessional< Symantec - expected much better from you. Hope I can uninstall. Star rating - minus two.

Very difficult to install
Bad uninstalls of previous Norton products can cause this one to hang and not install. No customer support (they promise to email you in 3-5 days.....). No easy was to self-troubleshoot the problem (even though there are lots potential causes listed on the Customer Support web site).
I've used and recommended Norton products for ten years, and will now switch to another brand. This was obviously released before it was fully developed.

worst customer support
This product if full of defects,cannot be installed easy, lot of headache and not phone support for customers. If you want for a new product customet support, they will ask you for 24.99 per incident! They are crazy! On line support? yes, send a email 5 days ago, still no answer, and u cannot find any phone # to talk with anyone.

Norton Personal Firewall
BIG FAT risk writing this. Read on to see why.

As a designer, I've been using my Anti-Virus and Firewall with NO problems for a while now. As I do every morning, I get online and check for Norton updates (especially Virus Definitions).

So, about two weeks ago, I load in a bucket-load, only to find my perfectly-tuned work machine slowing like an F1 car running out of fuel at Monaco!

Now I can't see ANY webpages WITHOUT disaabling my Firewall - DESPITE granting IE/Opera/Mozilla net access SEVERAL TIMES.

When I do connect with Firewall enabled, I get attacked with heaps of twats using trojans. But I can't see any web sites. There's absolutely NO CHANGES made to an already successful set-up, so WHAT'S GOING ON SYMANTEC???????? Every time I go online, I'm comprimised. What sort of Firewall is that????

I'll be buggered if I'm going to spend more cash simply because you can't be bothered to support 2002 users with this software. I have paid for my updates until October 2004!

I've also had a heap of customers with this new 2004 Firewall/Ad Blocker installed saying the website I made doesn't work! It even blocks legitimate branding images on a web page as adverts! It presents users, critically, with NO CHOICE and makes the job of legitimate enterprises and designers alike with a VERY business-biased veto option on what we see.

I had the utmost respect for Symantec for years, then this!

No support, then 'Sorry, we didn't get $50 out of you this year, go swim!'

Atrocious. Get something else! ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

Home users who want to secure their Mac from unwanted intruders andvirus attacks will find Norton Internet Security 1.0 an invaluable package. Thecombination of a simple--yet effective--firewall, Norton's best-selling AntiVirusapplication, and iClean from Aladdin Systems which cleans up and removes unwantedWeb-related files, this software provides an integrated security solution for Mac users whospend much of their time online.

Installation is quick and easy, guiding you through checking your Mac forviruses before you install, and only requiring you to select the level of virusprotection you require. NortonAntiVirus 7.0 not only protects you from a huge list of viruses--includingMacro viruses, which are the most common form of virus on the Mac--but it evenscans e-mail attachments as you download them, allowing you to stop an infectedfile before it reaches your computer. Basic configuration of Norton AntiVirus 7.0 is simple, requiring you to simply select a protection level from "NoProtection," if you prefer to scan for viruses manually, to "Full Protection,"which not only scans all files and applications whenever you use them, but alsowatches for virus-like activity, which could indicate that you have a new virusthat is not in the database. Keeping the application and its essential virusdefinitions up to date is made simple by the LiveUpdate feature, which allowsyou to download new versions manually when you are online, or at scheduledtimes.

The most striking feature of NortonPersonal Firewall 1.0, also included, is its simplicity. Once you run thesoftware installer and restart your Mac, you are protected from all forms ofunauthorized access from the Internet, and that's practically all there is toit. Using Norton Personal Firewall 1.0 for the first time, it's surprising tosee just how many attempts are made to access your computer without yourpermission during an average session on the Net.

In its default configuration, the firewall blocks all access to your Mac by FileSharing over TCP/IP, Program Linking over TCP/IP, Web Sharing, and All Others.We found that setting all of these access types to Deny All Access caused someminor problems with services such as anonymous ftp. However, temporarilydisabling Norton Personal Firewall 1.0 only requires a single click on thefirewall control strip module. In addition, with the advanced preferences inNorton Personal Firewall 1.0, you can either list specific IP addresses, whichare allowed access to your Mac, or list the IP addresses, which may not haveaccess. Finally, Aladdin Systems iClean provides a quick and simple way to cleanout unwanted Internet-related files such as browser caches, cookies, and pagehistory files.

Mac users who spend much of their time online, and particularly those withalways-on Internet access such as ADSL and cable modems, will find this suite ofsecurity applications an effective way of maintaining peace of mind with minimumfuss. --Daniel Jardine ... Read more

Reviews (1)

a "must-have" for Mac's connected to the internet
I bought an iBook and hooked it up to the internet on my cable modem at home via the airport card, and I must say it is a pleasure to surf the internet at home at these speeds. But when I got to work the next day and started telling people about this, everyone asked "Do you have a firewall?"

At first, owning firewall software seemed excessively cautious. Who would want to access my computer? But one person told me how there computer was 'hijacked' unbeknownst to him, and used in an internet denial-of-service attack. Another person, who has a firewall, told me that he couldn't believe how often his computer was 'probed', and how his firewall protected his computer.

So I bought this software on their advice, and it was a good investment. It is very easy to install and configure the firewall. And it comes with Norton Anti-virus, which is useful for preventing viruses. And it comes with Alladin iClean which is useful for cleaning up after an internet session -- you wouldn't believe all the cookies, caches, and history files that are created after a session.

This is good value for the money...and a must-have if your Mac is on the internet. ... Read more

Features

• The powerful Personal Firewall protects you from any online spies, viruses, trojans or other threats
• Complete Mailsafe tool blocks suspicious inbound and outbound emails
• Automatic Intrusion Blocking recognizes, blocks and logs dangerous threats
• Cache Cleaner and cookie control eliminates traces of your Internet activity
• Hacker Tracking pinpoints the origin of anyone who tries to break into your system

Reviews (6)

Does the job. And does it well.
Quite frankly, Zone Alarm Pro 4 (ZAP) does the job. And does the job well. With customizable setting for programs and websites, and configurable popups to let you, the user, choose what exactly is and isn't allowed to access the internet, ZAP is essential.

Well, you might ask, "So what? A firewall is supposed to block things like that." Yes, that's true, but ZAP continually asks for permissions. Annoying? Hardly. It lets you know that it is doing the job. You can mark a popup to set it so that program can always access the internet, or you can let it access the internet for only that time, or vice versa. Think something is running in the background and slowing your computer by constantly connecting to the internet?

Chances are that is possible. It was for me. I had a lot of programs connecting to the internet that definitely should NOT have been doing so. Zone Alarm Pro 4 gave me that window and, without knowing what the program was, inspected it further. Long story short - it never happened again.

It keeps a continuous log and permission screen so you can examine/change anything. It keeps a running counter to let you know how many intrusions ZAP has blocked since the installation.

The only problem with ZAP is that it might be too confusing for those without any computer experience. However, it is a necessity and is a MUST. Security is vital.

Nope nope nope
Product activation code is supposed to arrive within two-three business days by email. This took three weeks. And you MUST have it to run the software. After finally getting the code, we had many problems with the software BUT could not return it because by that time, the return period expired. If you have a home network, this is not a good choice.

The Best Firewall Software
After experiencing extreme frustration with Norton Internet Security, I bought this product as a test. I reformatted my hard drive and installed all the factory default drivers and programs, along with Norton Antivirus and Zone Alarm Pro. I have not had a problem since.

When first connecting to the Internet you have to specify which programs you want to grant access to. What is very helpful in this software is that you can ask for more information and Zone Alarm will tell you what program is associated with the .exe attempting to gain access, along with a recommendation. Once you have your primary programs configured (and configuration is easy), everything else is seamless.

I am very very pleased with the ease of setup and integration of this software with my antivirus program. I would recommend this product any day over Norton's firewall or Internet security programs.

I was ONCE a big fan of Zonealarm....
...but the latest versions seem to have gone the same way as Symantec's buggy bloatware. After years as a loyal paying customer, I have uninstalled ZA from all my computers. Agnitum's Outpost Firewall is what I'm using now - and it's been problem-free.

The last few versions of ZA have given me nothing but trouble. I couldn't see flash animations on my preferred homepage. I couldn't complete certain transactions online without turning ZA off, completely defeating its purpose. I couldn't read some websites at all, and others loaded slowly, excruciating slowly, even though I have cable and most pages load with lightning speed.

Zone Alarm Pro 4 a hit
I purchased Zone Alarm Pro 4 after researching several of the firewall products out there. I was skeptical at first since I didn't really know much about Broderbund's line of products, but after using the product for several weeks I can say that I am extremely pleased with its performance, reliability, and ability to block unwanted users, content, etc. One of my other concerns was that it would conflict with my Norton Antivirus program, but it has not done so at all and has worked seamlessly with it.

The program has an easy to use interface, but comes with many options to suit the more advanced user as well. It will setup the most common programs that you use to access the internet automatically, and then ask permission for other programs that you want to use as well and allow them access to your server/internet connection. You also have the option of turning off all the messages and letting it block things on it's own, but I normally like to see what content it's taking care of.

It does a great job of blocking pop-up ads, and I have not seen one since I have installed the program. It also comes with several email features that I have not used, but may come in handy for others. Overall, it is a worthy product that comes at a cheaper price than some of the other options out there. You get a year of free upgrades, and you do have to register it online with Broderbund to get the upgrades. ... Read more

Features

• Complete security solution for businesses and professionals
• Protects against viruses, hackers, spam, spyware, and more
• Intelligent protection against unknown viruses and intruders
• Web content filtering; immediate automatic updates
• Tech support 24 hours a day, 365 days a year

Features

• AntiVirus and Personal Firewall for advanced protection and solid defense
• Norton AntiVirus protects email, instant messages, and other files
• Norton Personal Firewall keeps hackers out and personal data in
• Expanded threat detection alerts you to hacking programs like spyware
• Advanced tools for data recovery and secure file deletion

Reviews (2)

Buggy and tech support is virtually non-existent.
Buggy buggy buggy! On one computer, I can only get NPF to load on 1/3 of all boots (warm or cold). On my other computer, the central (yet separate) updating program -- Symantec LiveUpdate -- automatically CHANGES its connectivity options ITSELF nearly every day, which causes the "LiveUpdate settings" to become "corrupt," making updating either NPF or NAV impossible unless. . . .

One goes through a cumbersome process of scanning the entire hard drive(s) for LiveUpdate's configuration settings, removes them manually, goes to the control panel to reconfigure NEW settings, and then reboots. This works (temporarily) to fix the problem, but it takes about 10 minutes. Do that 10-12 times per week, and you can imagine the frustration factor.

Periodically, this "quick" fix fails, and I have to go through a bizarrely convoluted "uninstall" process for Symantec LiveUpdate. This LENGTHY process is outlined in a "repair" document that, when the screen type is set to "smallest," requires 6 (SIX) pages of paper to describe and about 45 minutes to actually execute.

When that "repair" no longer works, Symantec tech "support" suggests uninstalling and reinstalling everything (that's their solution to nearly every problem -- they seem to have next to zero troubleshooting expertise or, perhaps, zero WILL to help), a process that can take as long as an hour and a half, depending on your CPU clock speed.

I've mentioned the near-uselessness of their email "tech" support. Frankly, I see no "tech" in their "support." Invariably, one is directed to one of a gazillion lengthy online documents that spells out a time-consuming process to keep the customer running in circles, only to find, ultimately, that there is NO way to fix the problem other than UNINSTALLING everything (remember, there are three components here -- NPF, NAV, and LiveUpdate) and then reinstalling ALL THREE. A 1.5 hour process, at least, as I noted above.

I'm completely fed up with Symantec, especially with their repeated "apologies for any inconvenience. . . ." What? "Any" inconvenience? How about the very REAL and repeatedly tangible wastes of time caused not only by buggy software but by their inability and/or unwillingness to actually troubleshoot an issue or fix the bugs in their software rather than simply playing their default "uninstall and reinstall" card. If they truly were sorry, they'd fix the software rather than directing the customer to "keep. . . running" (hat tip to Ralph Ellison).

I'm no programmer, but even I could give that "techincal support advice" (I use the terms loosely). I have no alternative software solutions to suggest, but I strongly warn users to avoid this software like the plague that it is.

Ironically, the anti-virus software works like a charm (it has intercepted dozens of viral emails), and the firewall is impressive in its capabilities and has been excellent. But the inability to keep the products updated because of unauthorized software auto-reconfigurations and subsequent file corruptions thereby, added to the dozens of hours needed to keep that update component functioning properly have made this software and Symantec's lack of useful tech support infuriating.

Update to Symantec 2005?
Not while I'm alive. . . .

It's great if you keep it updated...
We use this at work and it is by far the best antivirus program out there. At home, I use the Macintosh version. The best I can say is that there are so many virii on the Window's platform you'd be silly not to have something like this installed. If you're tired of virii, worms, trojans, spyware, etc..., there is another solution. Get a Mac. The piece of mind you get knowing that the operating system is nearly impossible to infect or crack outweighs the tiny learning curve in switching to a different operating system. How many virii have I gotten at my Mac at home in the last 6 months? Zero. How many at work? At least one a week via email. Even our CIO (Information officer) is putting in a proposal as I write this to migrate the entire server and desktop system to the Mac OS X platform, and we're a fortune 500 company. The money saved alone in downtime from systems getting infected (if you can't work, you can't produce!), more than pays for the minor expense of making the switch. NAV is good. But unless you keep your virus definitions up to date, you're asking for a heap of trouble. And how many users really take the time to update their definitions even when the program prompts them to do so? I can count them on one hand. ... Read more