Entered CNET Catalog: 08/05/2004
SKU: E32483
Manufacturer: Symantec Corporation
Manufacturer description
Symantec's Norton SystemWorks 2005 Premier gives you powerful tools to solve PC problems and protect data. This easy-to-use suite helps you eliminate viruses, back up your files, and prevent computer problems. A new recovery disk allows you to recover data even when Windows won't start up.CNET editors' review
- Editors' Choice: No
- Reviewed on: 05/04/2005
After installation, NSW2005P asks you to select either Norton Internet Worm Protection or Windows Firewall. The software recommends the former, which irks us a little. Our problem isn't with the recommendation--it's a good one--but with the lack of an explanation, a problem repeated throughout NSW2005P. We'd prefer to see the advantages of each choice before making this decision.
The NSW2005P interface is clean but not especially intuitive. Tabs along the left-hand side provide access to the package's separate components, such as One Button Checkup and Norton Utilities, which expand into individual utilities when you click on them. The tabs' organization could be better. For example, Extra Features is a useless catchall category, whose five programs could easily have been folded into existing areas of Norton Utilities. But they weren't, leaving us to guess their location. Norton SystemWorks 2005 Premier includes many tools for optimizing or repairing your PC, most of which are based on Norton Utilities and haven't changed much through the years. One new tool added to the SystemWorks 2005 series is System Optimizer, a collection of under-the-hood operating system tweaks that control appearance, security access, and other OS features. Unfortunately, some of the controls are blatantly redundant with those already present in Windows, such as mouse options that control click sensitivity. The System Optimizer collection is weak when compared with the Tweak Windows Settings feature found in System Mechanic 5.0 Professional.
CheckIt Diagnostics offers useful system information, even if you don't use it for a thorough checkup.
The principal difference between Norton SystemWorks 2005 and Norton SystemWorks 2005 Premier is the addition of Norton Ghost, a leading backup and recovery tool, and Smith Micro Software's CheckIt Diagnostics, a native 32-bit diagnostics tool for Windows 98, Me, 2000, and XP operating systems. CheckIt performs tests on SCSI and USB interfaces, hard drives, CD-ROMs, and removable disks. It also calibrates video and examines CPU and memory. Although CheckIt Diagnostics is a reporting tool rather than a corrective utility, computer technicians can use it to easily pinpoint problem areas. Norton SystemWorks 2005 Premier lacks the support a serious computer diagnostic program requires. Its manual, printed in a minuscule, gray typeface, merely duplicates much of the brief but sketchy in-product help for Norton Utilities. There's nothing specific in the manual about Norton Ghost or CheckIt Diagnostics, save for a couple of passing references. Ghost's in-product help system is adequate, and CheckIt Diagnostics offers extensive, well-illustrated in-product help, but alas, no hotlinks to additional online support.
Symantec's Web site provides a good searchable knowledge base for common problems related to Norton SystemWorks 2005 Premier. Symantec recently increased its live telephone support to 24 hours a day, seven days a week; however, at $29.95 per incident, the price of each call remains prohibitively high.
User opinions
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User Rating: 
2/10
Unbelievable business ethics! Terrible! Evil-GREED!
Pros: Oh ya it works great! I'll admit that! but..............wait till U renew
Cons: "Oh Man!" WHERE DO I START!!!!!! (((BE WARNED)))
Review:
Like the last post said "save your temper". This company needs to be boycotted! They are unbelievable! They lie! There isn't any customer support! Unless you have an extra $30 bucks!
All I wanted to do was renew my subscription for the first time and I found it to be absolutely impossible. Then the truth finally came out! My product was no longer supported after ONE YEAR of use! That was another lie they tell in their original description.
All in all they stick it to you. I used their product for 8 years, they haven't just lost my loyalty, they've motivated me to announce this mistreatment on CNET!
Basically to renew your subscription back up to the level of protection and utilities that your used to, your going to have to fork out another $80 bucks a year! NoWay! C-Ya symantec and everything that your company is connected to! Your corporate decision makers are a bunch of overinflated ego-maniac theives!
All I wanted to do was renew my subscription for the first time and I found it to be absolutely impossible. Then the truth finally came out! My product was no longer supported after ONE YEAR of use! That was another lie they tell in their original description.
All in all they stick it to you. I used their product for 8 years, they haven't just lost my loyalty, they've motivated me to announce this mistreatment on CNET!
Basically to renew your subscription back up to the level of protection and utilities that your used to, your going to have to fork out another $80 bucks a year! NoWay! C-Ya symantec and everything that your company is connected to! Your corporate decision makers are a bunch of overinflated ego-maniac theives!
Updated
I feel better now.
I feel better now.
Updated
IT'S $89.99! To get your stuff back up to snuff after a year, not $80 bucks as I mentioned before.
IT'S $89.99! To get your stuff back up to snuff after a year, not $80 bucks as I mentioned before.
User Rating: 
1/10
The worse utility software you can buy
Pros: Auto-updates, virus protection
Cons: HUGE overhead, poor compatibility, buggy
Review:
I was always a norton fan until they fell under Symantec a few years ago. Systemworks 2005 kept me from updating to SP2 for over a year. Incredibly high memory and CPU overhead.
Remove it from your computer like it was a bad virus. Your system will run faster, have less problems, and be a lot more stable without it.
Remove it from your computer like it was a bad virus. Your system will run faster, have less problems, and be a lot more stable without it.
User Rating: 
3/10
Getting worse for 98 users
Pros: 24 hour tech support
Cons: Most tech support people act like robots with a Far East accent
Review:
I've been a Norton user & supporter since it came on a floppy. As they have bought out their competition their products are becoming stagnant. After installing the 2005 version. On my 3 computers running 98SE and 2 of my friends computers, we have all been having having frequent crashes or other problem which usually get traced back to CCAPP, a core Norton/Symantec program. I'm going to give 2006 a try on XP.
User Rating: 3/10
How many people?
Pros: Anti Virus is great
Cons: The rest costs me more money!
Review:
I am curious to how many people in the world have had their computer completly taken over by Norton? I now cannot boot my computer and I am loosing money because I can't work and I'm paying somebody to fix the problem.
1. 2006 Norton Software $89.00 plus tax (Canadian Funds)
2. Loss of hours for my business. at least 16 hours. and my rate is $30.00 an hour.
I'm only trying to understand why and how a company can get away with selling you a product that is for Windows XP and in turn the software conflicts with your machine, wrecks your hard drive and now time and money is lost. I can't call anyone to complain, because nobody works for Norton accept a computer. I thought we lived in a nation that was proud of their product and would help out the customer if he or she is in need. Instead I give away my money and make "whomever" richer.
I'm curious to know the amount of people who's computer gets affected by this. I think think the numbers would be staggering!
I feel like this company has taken full advantage of consumers by selling them a product they say works very well. But instead ruins your computer and your work.
Please email me with your information and I am going to keep a file together because I want to organize a class action lawsuit on running a business in an unprofessional manner. Or post your thoughts on this site. I've come to the conclusion that I am going to download one of those free antiviruses and every year around this time I am going to send Norton $100.00 just for the hell of it because that is exactly what I do anyways.
Is this right?
Is this how our nation is going?
When was it okay to sell bunk product to people?
Was there a law passed I missed saying it's okay to rip people off?
It's disgusting really.
Signed
Mr. Warren Pickard
Wanting a refund and time lossed
1. 2006 Norton Software $89.00 plus tax (Canadian Funds)
2. Loss of hours for my business. at least 16 hours. and my rate is $30.00 an hour.
I'm only trying to understand why and how a company can get away with selling you a product that is for Windows XP and in turn the software conflicts with your machine, wrecks your hard drive and now time and money is lost. I can't call anyone to complain, because nobody works for Norton accept a computer. I thought we lived in a nation that was proud of their product and would help out the customer if he or she is in need. Instead I give away my money and make "whomever" richer.
I'm curious to know the amount of people who's computer gets affected by this. I think think the numbers would be staggering!
I feel like this company has taken full advantage of consumers by selling them a product they say works very well. But instead ruins your computer and your work.
Please email me with your information and I am going to keep a file together because I want to organize a class action lawsuit on running a business in an unprofessional manner. Or post your thoughts on this site. I've come to the conclusion that I am going to download one of those free antiviruses and every year around this time I am going to send Norton $100.00 just for the hell of it because that is exactly what I do anyways.
Is this right?
Is this how our nation is going?
When was it okay to sell bunk product to people?
Was there a law passed I missed saying it's okay to rip people off?
It's disgusting really.
Signed
Mr. Warren Pickard
Wanting a refund and time lossed
User Rating: 
4/10
they need to catch up with pctools and others
Pros: good defragger
Cons: registry repair misses a lot compared to pctools and others
Review:
I tried many different types of utilities I would recommend Iolo system mechanic pro I found it is pretty much defaulted for most average users this program has a one button does all protection always on I am very happy I do not have to double check its work and amazing the price is $69.00 read instructions first if not sure call its free!and it comes with kasperski security antivirus and firewall plus spyhunter need i go on perfect for average users and smartones too heck maybe idiot proof LOL
User Rating: 1/10
dont buy unusable software
Pros: don't know couldn't get it to work
Cons: could nuke your OS
Review:
I work at a computer store and I got a free copy of Norton systemworks premier. Its a good thing it was a free copy cuz if it wasn?t I would be pissed. After my installation of systemworks my computer would restart about 3 min after boot up every time and there was nothing I could do about it. So I went into safe mode and deleted the systemworks folder and after that my computer is working. I?m going to reinstall my OS to make sure all the Norton crap is out of there but I can at least use my computer till I have the time to reinstall. Norton products have been going down hill for a while. The last Norton I used was 2001 and I had some problems then too but for my operating system to be unusable after an install is inexcusable. Norton was the best back in the 80s and the 90s but now all there software is crap. You can be sure that as long as I?m working not a single copy of any Symantec products will leave my store in customer?s hands. I recommend that everyone stay way from Symantec products till they get their act together and make a working program. I think that Cnet should add one more rating to there system a 0. 0 = destructive. I Give this software a rating of 0
User Rating: 
6/10
More Complex than McAfee
Pros: More options
Cons: Too many options and some hidden
Review:
Overall, Norton slows your computer because it's security features are automatic. For example, I installed the free Adware from Lavasoft. It could not update intially. I had to go into Norton's Firewall, scan for programs, identify Adware and "permit" it to update via the internet. NO WHERE does it tell you to do this. I HAD TO FIGURE THIS OUT ON MY OWN. Mcafee is more user friendly. My next computer I plan on trying the Penicillin (? spell) Security applications.
User Rating: 3/10
Norton/Symantec puts spyware called WinFix2005 without your permission
Pros: Slows all benign apps
Cons: Allows all malicious apps
Review:
Here's the link where WinFixer2005 makes the claim:
https://secure.winfixer.com/epayment/pay.php?site_id=117&prod_id=353&aid=rwfxn8&lid=pp
C|net would do well to revoke this horrible endorsement of an outrageously scruple-less spyware interest, or challenge WinFixer2005 for trademark violation -- a serious offense with costly penalties.
Here's how I got this maddening junk on my computer. I was on hold for Norton, trying to straighten out a subscription issue. The message in the phone queue directed me to a website to get a priority number that would expedite hold times.
WinFixer2005 hijacks the link or deliberately makes a link extremely similar to Norton's URL. WinFixer2005 installs itself on your computer as soon as you load its page -- completely without permission, and right over Norton Personal Firewall 2005. Norton Personal Firewall 2005 did absolutely nothing to prevent WinFixer2005. Seems Norton Personal Firewall 2005's great strength is challenging every benign app and letting malicious ones through.
Norton said it would charge me $60 to help me remove this spyware that I only got because I followed Norton's directions. Norton's free website with removal directions didn't list WinFixer2005 in its search.
I'm cancelling my Norton subscriptions and never using Norton again. Norton ought to stay on top of the links they provide to their customers and be supportive of customers who suffer as a result of following Norton's instructions.
https://secure.winfixer.com/epayment/pay.php?site_id=117&prod_id=353&aid=rwfxn8&lid=pp
C|net would do well to revoke this horrible endorsement of an outrageously scruple-less spyware interest, or challenge WinFixer2005 for trademark violation -- a serious offense with costly penalties.
Here's how I got this maddening junk on my computer. I was on hold for Norton, trying to straighten out a subscription issue. The message in the phone queue directed me to a website to get a priority number that would expedite hold times.
WinFixer2005 hijacks the link or deliberately makes a link extremely similar to Norton's URL. WinFixer2005 installs itself on your computer as soon as you load its page -- completely without permission, and right over Norton Personal Firewall 2005. Norton Personal Firewall 2005 did absolutely nothing to prevent WinFixer2005. Seems Norton Personal Firewall 2005's great strength is challenging every benign app and letting malicious ones through.
Norton said it would charge me $60 to help me remove this spyware that I only got because I followed Norton's directions. Norton's free website with removal directions didn't list WinFixer2005 in its search.
I'm cancelling my Norton subscriptions and never using Norton again. Norton ought to stay on top of the links they provide to their customers and be supportive of customers who suffer as a result of following Norton's instructions.
User Rating: 4/10
Where is Peter Norton when you need him?
Pros: The registry cleaner is pretty good....
Cons: Program instability, crashes, corrupt automatic updates.
Review:
I don't know how Symantec has been getting away with this for so long. With the exception of Ghost (which is still offered as a standalone product as well) everything else they put out is junk.
As has been said by everyone, installations are a hit or miss, downloads frequently fail and make the program worse, not better.
And it pretty much insists that you forget about Windows security and always run with administrative rights, or it's next to impossible to do much with the program.
At the very least an ordinary user should be able to run a virus scan.
Also, ideally a user just runs a program as administrator when needed without logging into full blown administrator.
Forget about that with Norton Anti virus. The only way to disable scanning (which one should do when installing software) is to log out and log in as administrator.
Again, Symantec practically encourages people to run Windows all the time with full administrative rights.
What kind of nonsense is that coming from a utility and "security" company?
As has been said by everyone, installations are a hit or miss, downloads frequently fail and make the program worse, not better.
And it pretty much insists that you forget about Windows security and always run with administrative rights, or it's next to impossible to do much with the program.
At the very least an ordinary user should be able to run a virus scan.
Also, ideally a user just runs a program as administrator when needed without logging into full blown administrator.
Forget about that with Norton Anti virus. The only way to disable scanning (which one should do when installing software) is to log out and log in as administrator.
Again, Symantec practically encourages people to run Windows all the time with full administrative rights.
What kind of nonsense is that coming from a utility and "security" company?
User Rating: 1/10
CUSTOMER SERVICE LIES FROM INDIA
Pros: NONE - zero
Cons: the product doesn't work!
Review:
I installed per Symantec's instructions and it would not update properly. after listening to one hours worth of suggestions from symantec's indian customer service representative (CSR) (the CSR said the problem was my internet service provider), i called the sales department to complain/ they "fast tracked" me to another CSR from India who told me to uninstall and re-install NAV 2005. after not being able to uninstall program in windows, I was GIVEN INSTRUCTIONS to uninstall. the uninstall, however, deleted key registry keys which now require me to re-install windows XP on my computer. Simply put, FORGET SYMANTEC PRODUCTS UNLESS YOU CAN FORFEIT MANY DOLLARS IN REINSTALLATION TIME. SYMANTEC WOULD RATHER SEND YOU TO INDIA THAN FIX THEIR DEFECTIVE PRODUCT. VALUE YOUR DOLLAR AND BUY SOME OTHER ANTI-VIRUS PRODUCT!!!!!!!!!! I HOPE THEY SUBPOENA ME SO I CAN TESTIFY UNDER OATH ABOUT HOW THEIR PRODUCT SUCKS AND THEY DEFLECT THEIR PROBLEM TO HARD WORKING PERSONS SEVERAL THOUSAND MILES AWAY FROM THE UNITED STATES!!!
Updated
I installed per Symantec's instructions and it would not update properly. after listening to one hours worth of suggestions from symantec's indian customer service representative (CSR) (the CSR said the problem was my internet service provider), i called the sales department to complain/ they "fast tracked" me to another CSR from India who told me to uninstall and re-install NAV 2005. after not being able to uninstall program in windows, I was GIVEN INSTRUCTIONS to uninstall. the uninstall, however, deleted key registry keys which now require me to re-install windows XP on my computer. Simply put, FORGET SYMANTEC PRODUCTS UNLESS YOU CAN FORFEIT MANY DOLLARS IN REINSTALLATION TIME. SYMANTEC WOULD RATHER SEND YOU TO INDIA THAN FIX THEIR DEFECTIVE PRODUCT. VALUE YOUR DOLLAR AND BUY SOME OTHER ANTI-VIRUS PRODUCT!!!!!!!!!! I HOPE THEY SUBPOENA ME SO I CAN TESTIFY UNDER OATH ABOUT HOW THEIR PRODUCT SUCKS AND THEY DEFLECT THEIR PROBLEM TO HARD WORKING PERSONS SEVERAL THOUSAND MILES AWAY FROM THE UNITED STATES!!!
I installed per Symantec's instructions and it would not update properly. after listening to one hours worth of suggestions from symantec's indian customer service representative (CSR) (the CSR said the problem was my internet service provider), i called the sales department to complain/ they "fast tracked" me to another CSR from India who told me to uninstall and re-install NAV 2005. after not being able to uninstall program in windows, I was GIVEN INSTRUCTIONS to uninstall. the uninstall, however, deleted key registry keys which now require me to re-install windows XP on my computer. Simply put, FORGET SYMANTEC PRODUCTS UNLESS YOU CAN FORFEIT MANY DOLLARS IN REINSTALLATION TIME. SYMANTEC WOULD RATHER SEND YOU TO INDIA THAN FIX THEIR DEFECTIVE PRODUCT. VALUE YOUR DOLLAR AND BUY SOME OTHER ANTI-VIRUS PRODUCT!!!!!!!!!! I HOPE THEY SUBPOENA ME SO I CAN TESTIFY UNDER OATH ABOUT HOW THEIR PRODUCT SUCKS AND THEY DEFLECT THEIR PROBLEM TO HARD WORKING PERSONS SEVERAL THOUSAND MILES AWAY FROM THE UNITED STATES!!!
User Rating: 3/10
Norton Nightmare 2005!
Pros: Strong antivirus product, comprehensive integration
Cons: Resource hog; installation, activation, and registration was a galactic mess.
Review:
I upgraded from SystemWorks 2004 to this product, and was extremely disappointed. I had trouble removing Ghose from my tray icons, NAV deleted some files without prompting that it deemed a "hack tool" -- an unwelcomed surprise when upgrading, and it took forever to update all the definitions, programs, etc. with more system restarts than I care to mention.
This program HOGS system resources. When it was uninstalled, my system restarted much more quickly. I realize that there has to be some trade-off of system performance when using a robust system protection tool, but I think this is a little too much.
This program HOGS system resources. When it was uninstalled, my system restarted much more quickly. I realize that there has to be some trade-off of system performance when using a robust system protection tool, but I think this is a little too much.
User Rating: 
8/10
A Tried and True Application
Pros: All in One Care For your PC
Cons: What?No Anti-Spyware.
Review:
The Symantec issue of Norton System Works Premier edition-was purchased by me as one of a number of alternative applications that replaced defaulted software maker McAfee(Internet Security Package)as well as others when I made my own adjustments to this very new Dell Inspiron 2200-Laptop Computer.I actually turned down the original proposal by Dell and then substituted my own choice for my new Dell Inspiron 2200 Laptop Computer.These choices were for instance Zonelabs Wireless Firewall and Premier Edition of the aforementioned Norton System Works-2005.I am of the opinion that Symantec has made adjustments and though perhaps you might wish to argue fine points,this is a 2 CD-ROM edition with the second disc having Norton Go-Back,Check-it-Diagnostics,and Connection Keep Alive which is an optional installation.This by itself is different than any edition prior of Norton System Works.There is 2 CD-ROMS included with this issue.There are certain as well ways you can further tailor the functions available to what you actually need and that would be through a uninstall and a reinstall ability that this issue is just as capable as 2004.I do believe, it is, this issue very capable and Symantec did listen to some of the concerns as there adjustments are evident in Worm Technology Detection.I can testify that not only is that a claim but it is a claim that can offer proof as to its justification.I use my Laptop on the road and unlike my Dell Desk Top I have only my Laptop and the wireless card/with a wireless provider and if it weren't for my software right now I would be a dead gipper,This is why Iam writing this review.What does that mean?The ZoneLabs firewall is of course a respected firewall but it does not provide the ability that a anti-virus application would provide,that responsibility was the province of the Anti-Virus that was fully enabled and in place upon my first boot up and on to the internet wirelessly.That to be certain was Norton Anti-Virus and the many other applications that NSW 2005 brings with it.Norton Anti-Virus nabbed not only Trojan but Worm attempts as well and for a time I actually had to think twice as to how safe was this wireless technology becuase Norton Anti-Virus was saving me time and time again,I kid you not,I was not able to understand how these problems were coming about but they were.Worms,Trojans more than once and all are a matter of record with the application.Though this has been nothing new to the likes of Norton Anti-Virus it is also very useful to augment anything that Windows can deliver this package from Norton can do as well.I like to run a program in windows and then follow through with the equivalent in NSW.I will defragment my Hard Drive and then utilize Speed Disc and as well Optimization.The list can go on as to just how much a value you have invested in with Norton System Works 2005-Premier Edition-If you feel your PC needs help I can't think of a better uitility that what is offered here.The Higher prices being asked are sporting a $30.00 rebate.I would in general concur with the popularity of this NSW-2005 Premier Edition-It is often understated and even sometimes undervalued as to the importance of how well our computers work,well this is an excellent all around utility that will help and indeed provide front line support so that those performance concerns be addressed properly and effectively.I recommend without reservation the purchase and the subsequent care that Norton System Works-Premier Edition-2005 will provide as a all in one Care for your PC.
User Rating: 
10/10
Works well, unless you are an AOL level user
Pros: Works fast and effective, cleans well, looks and interacts well.
Cons: A bit unfriendly to some who does not know jack about PC's, (people who buy their computers at a store prebuilt)
Review:
This thing is yet another fine version from Symantec. They have been wiping the floor of AntiVirus for years with MF. (insert name here). All of my customers ask me to remove MF from their systems and are willing to pay for Norton, even if MF is free with their storebought junkpile.
User Rating: 1/10
I gave up after 2 days
Pros: Free after rebate
Cons: Nothing is free in life
Review:
Still can't get it to work
User Rating: 2/10
SAVE YOUR MONEY AND YOUR TEMPER
Pros: Not many, whatever works here you can get for free.
Cons: Pricey, poor free tech support & very expensive paid tech support
Review:
I bought SystemWorks 2004 last year. Was moderately happy with it but found free virus software from my IP. I let my subscription lapse and a month after it expired started getting pop-ups from Symantec every 10 seconds (literally, every 10 seconds). When I couldn't get rid of the popup, I decided to renew and upgrade to the 2005 version. After the $29 fee and a $10 charge for not renewing on line (even though Their pop-ups kept me from doing so) I now have a problem updating my virus defintions. After 4 or 5 calls to Symantec I was told it would be $70 for phone support or (get this) $40 for e-mail support. I wish I had never bought or upgraded this product from these thieves!!!
User Rating: 3/10
would not install after 5 trys
Pros: Have used norton for years
Cons: could not make it work
Review:
After trying to install this could not make it work. Tried symantec help, but when they decided I needed to uninstall it by editing my registry I decided to uninstall this permanently. Gave support 5 tries to make it work, they never succeeded.
User Rating: 3/10
Not worth the $$$
Pros: One app solution
Cons: Free available software is more useful and effective
Review:
Overpriced, no improvements in years. NAV is the only worthwhile package and even it is s resource hoh, although still better than mcafee. The system works utilities are out of date and better replaced by freeware and ahreware alternatives.
User Rating: 4/10
Sadly underpowered for current OS and hardware issues.
Pros: The auto updates are easy to setup and use.
Cons: Failed to diagnose or fix numerous NTFS and OS corruption issues.
Review:
I have been a staunch supporter of the Norton line of products ever since Peter Norton started writing them in many years ago. Unfortunatly, the latest revisions that I have played with over the past three years have really done nothing to advance their power. Basically, they appear to just be eye-candy changes for the same programs the year before.
About the only program on the System Works suite that I use on a regular basis is Ghost -- backing up my whole system (Linux partitions included) is extremely easy with this utility. Too bad the other tools don't "just work" like this one does.
I've had NTFS and Windows Registry corruption problems affect multiple machines, but Norton System Works either doesn't notice the problem or says it will "check and fix on next reboot" but still finds the issue right after it gets done 'fixing' it.
About the only program on the System Works suite that I use on a regular basis is Ghost -- backing up my whole system (Linux partitions included) is extremely easy with this utility. Too bad the other tools don't "just work" like this one does.
I've had NTFS and Windows Registry corruption problems affect multiple machines, but Norton System Works either doesn't notice the problem or says it will "check and fix on next reboot" but still finds the issue right after it gets done 'fixing' it.
User Rating: 
5/10
Usual stuff - unimpressed
Pros: Familiar interface & function
Cons: Still lacking function
Review:
I cut my teeth in computer support using various utilities such as Norton Utilities (DOS), Central Point, etc. Over the years I have stayed with Norton because of the (then) more effective support, troubleshooting capabilities, and resolutions offered. I could continue to describe generalities, but specifics say much more, so:
WinDoctor - virtually every other registry scanner out there (including the old MS Regclean 4.1) ALWAYS finds additional registry errors that WinDoctor fails to discover. This has been the case for years and I see no change with the current version.
Now that all Windows OSes for the past 5 years (excluding ME) "prefer" NTFS, Symantec hasn't seen fit to include support for this in their emergency CD-bootable virus scan. What good is a needful tool if it can't support direct access to an NTFS volume for scanning and eliminating viruses, etc?
Also, Norton had a great idea with their registry editor - which seemed to work OK with the first release, years ago. After that, it went downhill and subsequently was dropped altogether.
What does this mean? Since Symantec has not "kept this customer satisfied", the "grass is greener" syndrome is taking preeminence.
SHAME ON YOU, SYMANTEC! We expected more!
WinDoctor - virtually every other registry scanner out there (including the old MS Regclean 4.1) ALWAYS finds additional registry errors that WinDoctor fails to discover. This has been the case for years and I see no change with the current version.
Now that all Windows OSes for the past 5 years (excluding ME) "prefer" NTFS, Symantec hasn't seen fit to include support for this in their emergency CD-bootable virus scan. What good is a needful tool if it can't support direct access to an NTFS volume for scanning and eliminating viruses, etc?
Also, Norton had a great idea with their registry editor - which seemed to work OK with the first release, years ago. After that, it went downhill and subsequently was dropped altogether.
What does this mean? Since Symantec has not "kept this customer satisfied", the "grass is greener" syndrome is taking preeminence.
SHAME ON YOU, SYMANTEC! We expected more!
User Rating: 5/10
Good AV; useful system information; poor support
Pros: Anti-virus protection and promptness for definition updates
Cons: Technical support for this product has deteriorated.
Review:
The AV is good and some AV is a must. I don't use any other portion of NSW on a continuous basis. The scans of the system are helpful. Flaws in the program make some of the suggestions unreadable.
The email tech support for retail products provides reasonably rapid response with poor quality information -- they seem to fire off boiler-plate related to an inquiry without understanding the inquiry. These comments on support do not apply to Symantec's excellent support for their enterprise products.
The email tech support for retail products provides reasonably rapid response with poor quality information -- they seem to fire off boiler-plate related to an inquiry without understanding the inquiry. These comments on support do not apply to Symantec's excellent support for their enterprise products.
User Rating: 8/10
Great product. I use Norton exclusively.
Pros: Simple and intuitive to use, update, whatever.
Cons: I've HEARD Norton is lagging re new innovations. If so, I'm not missing them.
Review:
It WORKS. I'm not switching to any other system.
