Norton is now owned by Symantec, a company that itself helped pioneer virus and other computer security software.

Norton was a former competitor of Symantec’s. The Norton Antivirus, which is typically offered in a major version revision each year – Antivirus 2003, Antivirus 2004, Antivirus 2005 and so on – is one of the best investments you can make for the health and safety of your PC. At around $35 per machine or less, this program will scan your whole system, as well as all incoming items like email, Internet file downloads, and removable disks, drives and CDs for viruses. You can set the “Live Update” feature to automatically update the so-called “virus definitions,” and you should. We’ll talk more about virus definitions below.

See www.symantec.com for more information on the current versions of Norton branded antivirus and related security software packages.

McAfee is the other 800 pound gorilla in the antivirus software area.

Whereas Norton started with a Macintosh focus and has generally been marketed to the consumer and pro-sumer as well as small business markets, McAfee has had greater cache and success specifically in the business arena, where they have often been the #1 choice. McAfee still offers numerous “managed” virus prevention packages for larger companies as well as standalone software geared to the home office and consumer markets. McAfee is currently owned by Network Associates, the old official Internet registrar and current Internet services firm.

See www.mcafee.com for more information on the current versions of McAfee branded antivirus and related security software packages.

McAfee shopping hint: Try a Google search on “McAfee” and look for a listing that says “official McAfee site.” This listing will sometimes have a special discount offer that takes you to a URL that is not obvious from the main McAfee landing/home page!