Norton AntiVirus 2003 [Old Version]

by Symantec

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B00006FI0T
• Date first available at Amazon.com: August 21, 2002
• Average Customer Review: 2.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (162 customer reviews)
• Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #4,408 in Software (See Top 100 in Software)

  #94 in

  Software > Computer Security > Antivirus

• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

Product Description

Amazon.com Review

Simple and powerful, Norton AntiVirus 2003 protects your PC against viruses--and it covers e-mail and instant messaging, too. The program's clear and simple interface shows you what you're protected against, how up-to-date your virus definitions are, and when you last checked your whole system. Anything you need to worry about is clearly marked in red.

Installation is simple: you can accept all the defaults without worry, and you'll be prompted to go online and get up-to-date definitions as soon as you install. If a virus is found, the software will try to automatically repair the file. In addition to looking for known viruses, the Norton AntiVirus Bloodhound feature tries to spot new viruses and worms by their behavior. AntiVirus 2003 also checks for viruses in files you download from the Web, in e-mail, and now in instant messages. If you use MSN Messenger you'll need to reboot; other messaging tools are protected straight away. With e-mail, Norton AntiVirus 2003 can check incoming and outgoing messages and files in POP3 clients like Outlook Express. While AntiVirus 2002 would only stop you from getting infected by an e-mail worm, this version stops you from passing the infection on to others.

Checking your system and downloading updates are two things you need to do regularly. Norton AntiVirus 2003 makes them relatively painless by setting up a full scan once a week and checking for new updates whenever you're online. Running a full scan does take time and you're not given an estimate of how long; a large drive can take 30 minutes or even an hour, and it ties up a lot of your PC's power. Simple update scanning hardly slows down your PC down at all.

Norton AntiVirus 2003 is an excellent way to guard against viruses. While it's not a major upgrade, as instant messaging becomes more popular, it's good to see tools to protect your system. --Mary Branscombe, Amazon.co.uk

Amazon.com Product Description

Symantec's Norton AntiVirus 2003 scans and cleans both incoming and outgoing e-mail, stopping viruses from infecting your computer or spreading to other computers. It removes viruses automatically, without interrupting your work. To prevent infections during real-time online chats, Norton AntiVirus now also detects viruses in instant-message attachments, including ones you receive using MSN, Windows, AOL, and Yahoo! messaging services.

Updates are downloaded automatically over the Internet to protect your computer with the latest virus definitions from the Symantec Security Response team. These virus experts work 24 hours a day, developing new definitions whenever a new threat is discovered. Even between virus definition updates, Symantec's exclusive Worm Blocking and Script Blocking technologies can identify and stop suspicious programs.

Because Norton AntiVirus is so simple to set up and use, you can be up and running with powerful virus protection right away. You also get step-by-step instructions for installing the program on a computer that's already infected. For small businesses, 5- and 10-user packs are also available.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

41 of 43 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Stick with NA 2002 instead of 2003, December 17, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Norton AntiVirus 2003 [Old Version] (CD-ROM)

Norton Antivirus 2003 is full of bugs. Unless you want a bunch of headaches stick with the proven version 2002. Norton Antivirus is still a much better product than McAfees (I experienced problems with them from the beginning, but never had problems with Norton 2001 or 2002.) Their rush to get a new product out by the new year has them releasing a poor product...perhaps they should simply name the product version6.whatever instead of by the year so they don't have to rush something that is clearly not ready to be placed out on the market yet!

50 of 54 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars "This Anti-Virus is Making Me Ill", September 17, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Norton AntiVirus 2003 [Old Version] (CD-ROM)

Having happily purchased Symantec's Norton AntiVirus 2003 at my local computer superstore, I slipeed the CD in and expected all to go well. No dice. I attempted to contact Norton (no weekend "live" help), so I posted a message on Norton's "Message Board." This, I gather, is Norton's way of having their customers fix their other customers' problems. On weekdays, one must PAY for telephone assistance, which I'd begrudgingly do, but the line's always busy, anyway. On Norton's message board I see that the identical problem is posted on an average of evry two minutes for the identical installation problem. (There are 841 customers waiting for an answer at this writing - (even from another cash customer.)

Bad experience throughout. Customer service is nonexistent and the product just won't work!

Sorry I did'nt purchase it through Amazon! I will next time, believe me!

I'd give Norton a "0" on this if it were possible.

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Here's the real deal:, May 16, 2003

By	Dianekkdi "Dianekkdi" (USA) - See all my reviews

My first anti-virus program was McAfee on my trusty ol' Compaq 500Mhz. I combined it with Zone Alarm Pro after I went cable. It worked well enough but one day I needed help and the McAfee on-line assistant(type your question in the space provided type) told me they didn't deal in cars. I hadn't mentioned cars one time. I got mad and nixed them and bought Norton. That was close to 2 years ago.
Now I have my my fully loaded brand new monster Dell. Yeehaw baby. :) I bought the (NortonInternetSecurity) NIS 2003. Same old trusty anti-virus coupled with the FireWall from hell. I think you have to understand binary language for this one. I don't.
I ended up being petrified that any moment I would press yes in response to the wrong request for access and be invaded by hoards of hackers. (well...maybe not that petrified)
On the other hand I kept saying no...and of course I got no internet access. I went back to using my Compaq cause I couldn't and/or was afraid to use my spanking brand new sporty speedster.
I nixed the NIS2003 and tried installing the McAfee trial Security System that came with the computer. The fire-wall is a little friendlier to the average you and me. Still I wasn't impressed enough to switch completely over. They are coupling their virus software with the firewall. No option for one or the other.
I went back to the Norton. Spent 2 more days paralyzed. Finally decided to stop crying in frustration. Called Dell. They are doing a full return on the NIS 2003 --no problem-- living up nicely to customer service reputation.
I came here and got the simplicity of Norton AntiVirus 2003. That's it--plain Anti-virus protection. Easy--simple--unobtrusive. Does its job and leaves you alone.
My firewall?
I called up ZoneAlarm Pro. This is a product to love! Optional automatic lock-down that activates after defined inactivity or when your screen-saver activates. You can even choose to allow programs of your choice lock access. Directions and alerts in plain intelligble english.
You feel in control.
I suggested to Dell that they start offering ZoneAlarm as a FireWall option and keeping the Norton simply Anti-virus.
So...
Unless your a computer programmer and understand binary complex computer language and are willing to memorize protocols etc etc...stay away from the Norton anti-virus/firewall combo.
Your peace of mind will appreciate the ZoneAlarm.