Frequently UNanswered Questions

Which Norton Product is Right for Me?: While they are all excellent products, each is designed to meet the individual needs of customers. For most people, Internet security is important but they don’t want to spend much time worrying about it. If you want a solution that’s hassle-free yet provides comprehensive, automated protection with PC security, identity protection, backup and tune-up, then you should look into Norton 360. CNET, PC Magazine and LAPTOP have all recommended Norton 360 as the top all-in-one package for security. If you require specific protection or more advanced security-setting customization, we have a variety of targeted products to fit your needs. For help selecting the right product for you and a free 15-day Norton trial, please visit us online at www.symantec.com.
My computer is super slow. What’s the deal with performance?: Balancing performance and protection is a constant battle for us. We’ve listened to customer feedback on this issue and recently underwent a major overhaul of our product code with an eye for speed and overall performance improvements. The newest line of Norton products are designed to be light and tight and include significant enhancements to key metrics like scan times and memory usage. Having said that, we understand that performance issues sometime occur for a variety of reasons. Do you have any other third party antivirus or Internet security applications installed on your computer? If so, we would advise removing them, as having more than one application doing the same thing can cause conflicts. Alternatively, we’d like to direct you to our KnowledgeBase, which contains some steps that we hope will address the issues you’re experiencing.
Do Mac users need security software?: While it’s true that Mac users tend to face fewer threats in general, Macs simply are not immune to security threats. Did you know nearly 80% of attacks come through Web-based applications? From malicious code on Web sites to vulnerabilities in the browsers themselves, there are plenty of attack vectors that translate into a need for good security software—regardless of your platform. It’s also possible for a Mac to be infected and not show any sign of it—which could lead to threats being accidentally passed on by simply sending an email to a friend with a PC. The bottom line: Mac users may be less vulnerable than PC users, but everybody needs to employ common sense about their computer’s security.
How come I’m having so much trouble uninstalling my Norton software?: One of the challenges for Symantec software developers is to ensure that Norton products are both easy to uninstall for its users while remaining difficult to be uninstalled or disabled by persons or programs intending to damage your computer. Developers at Symantec have been making great strides in optimizing the uninstall process, including new features specifically in the 2008 Norton Product line that prevent common uninstall problems when a user has more than one Norton product already installed on their machine.
Where to get information about or report Cyber Crime or virus writers?: Perhaps you fancy yourself something of a cybersleuth, in the vein of our own Chauncey Q Boggs. If so, there are many web sites that have information on hackers, virus writers, and other cyber criminals. Some sites may allow you to file reports of suspected criminal acts. For a complete list, visit the Symantec website Security Updates.
I think I have a virus or security threat – what should I do?: Darnit! And after we did so much on this site to try and avoid it. Well, to test your computer's exposure to online threats, run a virus scan with the Norton Security Scan. Norton Security Scan provides an analysis of your results and offers suggestions for further action. You'll find the steps to run a virus scan here.
What is phishing, how does it work, and why is it spelled that way?: By now, you know it has nothing to do with rods and reels. How it ended up spelled that way is not totally clear (may have something to do with "phreaking"). But phishing is a term used for Internet "scams" that set out to deceive users into providing personal information that ends up in many cases, being used for fraud. Typically, an email that appears to be from a well-known and trusted company directs the recipient to a spoofed Web page, where he or she is asked for personal information. Learn more at Phishing FUNQs.
What is Pharming, how does it work, and why is it spelled that way?: It's the next in what appears to be a grand tradition of using "ph" instead of f when naming security threats. Pharming is an attempt to defraud Internet surfers by hijacking a Web site's domain name, or URL, and redirecting users to an imposter Web site where fraudulent requests for information are made. Learn more at How To Protect Against Pharming.
What are some key terms I should know in the world of online security?: Norton Today is one, of course. Because sometimes it seems like the list of threats is always growing. But the truth you'll find here is that it isn't that long a list, even when a few other key security terms are thrown in. For a quick primer, take a look at Symantec's Terms You Should Know.
What are the main Do's and Don'ts to prevent online fraud and identity theft?: Put simply, do avoid them, and don't fall victim. There are many different types of online fraud which trick recipients into giving out personal information such as credit card data, social security numbers, and passwords. When armed with a little technical advice and common sense, you can prevent online fraud. Some basic steps can be found at Online Fraud and Identity Theft.
What are the differences between viruses, worms, and Trojan horses?: Many people lump all threats under the heading "virus". And the truth is, they all have one thing in common: they are to be avoided. But there are differences between all of these threats in terms of how they are acquired and what to do about them. For a good understanding of how they differ, check Symantec's Knowledge Base.
What is Norton Today?: Think of it like a savvy technology and lifestyle magazine meant to arm the "wired" community with Symantec's unique take on living life securely online. But beyond that, think of it as something that you can help shape and grow through your submissions, feedback, and ability to tell a friend.
Which security software works best?: There's a strong chance, of course, that our answer to this question will include a Norton-branded product. However, that chance is not based on our own bias, but on our longstanding commitment to giving you the tools for confidence in a connected world. And on the findings, backed by a free trial and a money-back guarantee, of The Norton Challenge.
How do I find out if I have a virus right now?: Take your temperature and examine your tongue. When you're done doing that (because ultimately your own health is still more important than your computer's), there is a simple tool you can use right now to determine if your machine has been infected. Simply click "Go" when you get to the page called Symantec Security Check.