Symantec originally aimed the Norton 360 security suite line at the less technical user, the user who just wants protection without too much detail. As a Norton enthusiast, you'd install the Internet Security suite for yourself and Norton 360 for your less tech-savvy friends and relatives. Over time, the two converged, to the point that Norton 360's 2013 edition includes every security feature found in Norton Internet Security. The user interface is different, and some will prefer it. In addition, it offers useful backup and tuneup systems.

In the past, new editions of Norton 360 have appeared on a release cycle offset by about six months from other Norton products. The need for compatibility with Windows 8 made a simultaneous release necessary. Like the other Norton security products, Norton 360 will no longer feature a version number or year. We're calling it Norton 360 (2013) so you can distinguish it from other editions.

The Norton 360 Interface

The main window for both Norton Internet Security (2013)See it at Amazon UK and Norton AntiVirus (2013)SEE IT pays homage to Windows 8, with big, touch-friendly buttons that slide fluidly out of the way when activated.

Norton 360 has always featured large button-panels in its main window, and in the latest edition they do have a look reminiscent of the interface formerly known as Metro, but the button behavior is different. When you click a button in Norton Internet Security, all of the buttons slide out of the way to reveal a new panel. Clicking a Norton 360 button causes it to expand into a menu of related tasks, just as in previous editions.

In addition to this different take on access to shared features, Norton 360 offers a page of tasks organized into three categories: General, Backup, and PC Tuneup. General tasks are things common to both suites, like running a scan, checking for updates, or viewing security history. The backup and tuneup tasks are specific to Norton 360.

You'll also find that the Settings page is organized differently. In Norton Internet Security, you choose a main settings category using tabs across the top and then choose a sub-category using tabs along the side. That may sound confusing, but you can reach any settings page in two clicks.

Norton 360's settings page offers a set of quick controls to turn components on or off, along with nine links to additional pages of detailed settings. Which system is better? Clearly that's up to the user's preference.