Norton Internet Security 2012

Like the standalone Norton AntiVirus 2012, Norton Internet Security 2012 now has a streamlined, simplified main window that gives users fast access to launching scans and updates.

Clicking the Advanced link opens a more detailed set of options, similar to the 2011 edition of this suite. Users who prefer this view can pin it in place as the default.

When running under Windows 7 or Vista, Norton Internet Security adds a gadget to the desktop that shows security status and offers quick access to features.

When the standalone antivirus blocks a malicious site the browser simply displays an error message. With the suite's Norton toolbar in place the browser displays a clear message about the blocked site with a link for a more detailed report.

In testing, SONAR wiped out some of my testing tools. This makes sense, given that they exist nowhere but on my computers and perform suspicious actions like launching the browser. There's a simple process to restore a file that was mistakenly removed.

As in previous editions, you can view a graph of CPU and memory usage system-wide and usage specific to Norton.

When Norton detects high usage of disk access, CPU, or memory by any one process it pops up an alert. If your system seems bogged down, this alert can let you know the reason.

The 2012 edition now includes Startup Manager, a feature previously found only in Norton 360. Using this tool you can view resource usage by startup programs and reversibly disable them, or set them to launch after a delay.

For most users, just leaving the Smart Firewall option turned on will provide maximum protection and minimum confusion. In this mode you'll never be asked to make security decisions.

The firewall manages Internet and network access permissions for all programs. Users shouldn't need to modify these settings unless instructed to do so by tech support.

Digging deeper reveals a number of highly advanced firewall settings, as well as a set of advanced event monitoring tools that are turned off by default.

Norton scans email messages for viruses and spam. It can also scan any files received through popular instant messaging services.

The Norton toolbar detects known phishing sites and diverts the browser to this informational page, which looks very different from the warning page in the 2011 edition.

In addition to blocking known phishing sites, Norton uses real-time analysis to detect and block phishing sites that are too new to have made it into the database.

The Identity Safe form-filler and password manager has changed quite a bit since last year. You can now associate your passwords and form data with your Norton Account and sync them across all your computers.

You can create multiple identity cards for use in filling Web-based forms. Identity Safe now uses an unobtrusive bar at the top of the browser window when it offers to fill a detected form.

When you log in to a secure site Identity Safe will offer to save the login credentials. You can keep your passwords organized by storing the data in an existing folder, or create a new folder on the spot.

When you revisit a secure site Identity Safe will automatically fill in the saved credentials. If more than one set of credentials is available it offers a choice.

Once you've set up Identity Safe on one Norton-equipped computer, you can sync your data to others via your Norton account.

The new metered broadband feature tells Norton to limit its network use when you're on a bandwidth-limited connection.