Norton Personal Firewall 2004’ - Simple to load, works well with my existing Symantec Anti-virus package Norton System Works 2000, retains the convenient Symantec software up-date service, and most importantly IT WORKS HASSLE FREE!

Having used Norton System Works 2000 since it’s release, and maintained the up-date subscription, computer viruses haven’t really been a problem but recently I have been persistently bombarded by hostile programs attempting to re-direct, crash, or load alternative dial-up software!
So what's the answer, well with more and more of us getting broadband this kind of attack is all too common place, most of the time its just people having a look round to see what machines they can get into, they have no idea if its a military super computer or a desktop PC and Microsoft operating systems tend to leave the door keys under the matt. Then there are those who want to re direct your PC to alternate software, diallers and even take over your PC to launch attacks on others, the solution is to install a firewall, this in its simplest form is a kind of filter it lets in traffic you want, like email or internet browsing and keeps out the things and people you don't.

The first step of a firewall is to reduce the number of attacks on your machine, now a standard Microsoft PC has a number of "open" or visible ports these are like windows that are left ajar, all firewalls should lock them down so you can see in but can't get in, the good firewalls like Norton Personal Firewall 2004 hide the window altogether so when someone scans the internet for open ports your machine doesn't even show up.

The main defence is a set of rules which is essentially what a firewall is, these rules allow certain applications or actions to be carried out while other are blocked, Norton is great here as it auto configures common applications like MS Outlook, Internet Explorer and MSN messenger, if you need to use a programme that isn't pre configured the first time you use it a simple pop up box asks if you want to let it access the internet and you just answer yes or no, the rule is written automatically and remembered for the next time. Naturally Symantec supply you with an instruction book telling you all about Norton Personal Firewall 2004, how to customise the settings, etc but for most home users the default settings will be fine so there is rarely any need need to made any adjustments and the instruction book can remain in its box, on top of a cupboard, never to see the light of day!
My view is that computers are simply a tool…they exist to save us time and effort…so any software that I purchase must work hassle free!

I am pleased to say that Norton Personal Firewall 2004 offers time constrained, non-technically minded users, effective security features such as a personal firewall, intrusion prevention, privacy control, ad blocking, and detailed alert messaging. Loading the software, registering with Symantec, and downloading the initial set of updates using a standard narrow band dial-up, are straightforward and takes about 20 minutes.

Norton Personal Firewall 2004 has fitted seamlessly and invisibly into my computer set-up, and has completely eliminated the problem of hostile programs attempting to change my dial-up software leaving me to get on with the profitable if not entirely ethical waste re processing business. A job well done!

(Reviewed by Barron Von Wasteland 2004)

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