Symantec releases Norton 360 security beta

By Brian Turner

Symantec has released Norton 360, which combines PC security and tune-up technologies with automated backup and online transaction security abilities, as a public beta.

Norton 360 is designed to protect users from viruses, worms, Trojan Horses, spyware, adware, hackers and online scams. It provides security during banking and shopping online through identity theft protection. It also protects important documents, photos and music through automated online backup and restore functions.

The product is designed to be easy to understand and use. Symantec hopes to receive customer feedback on the beta in order to make final adjustments for the formal launch of the product.

Symantec will provide free 24-hour support via embedded email and online chat during the beta period. The beta version of Norton 360 can be downloaded from http://www.symantec.com/norton360beta. Windows XP is required to use the product and other security solutions must by removed before Norton 360 is installed.

The final version of Norton 360 is scheduled to be available for purchase by March 2007. It will be available in multiple languages and countries.