Symantec NAV 10 for Mac

Symantec today announced . Due later this month, it will include a new Global Threat Assessment dashboard to provide users with an overview of current virus threats as well as a new Contextual Menu support feature and custom SafeZones for improved ease-of-use and efficiency. Norton AntiVirus 10.0 for Macintosh will also be fully compatible with Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger. NAV10 runs on Mac OS X and is available for pre-order for $70. Current users of Symantec's Macintosh products, as well as users of select competitive products, can take advantage of an upgrade mail-in-rebate of $30. [upated compatibility]

"In today's fast paced online threat environment, it is important for Symantec to offer secure protection at all end points," said Matthew Moynahan, vice president Consumer Products and Solutions, for Symantec. "With Norton AntiVirus 10.0 for Macintosh, Symantec is pleased to add new customization and usability enhancements to support Mac users with the best possible virus protection solution, as well as support Apple's new Mac OS X 10.4."

Version 10 includes a new Global Threat Assessment dashboard that provides the status of local computer virus protection and an overview of global threats allowing users to quickly and efficiently monitor their Macs' security. This new feature leverages "Tiger's" new dashboard functionality to offer the user a report and assessment of the three most recent and the three most critical virus threats on both the PC and Mac platforms. Norton AntiVirus also leverages the Symantec Security Response servers to download the most up-to-date threat information.

The Global Threat Assessment dashboard also allows users to easily monitor their security protection by showing the status information for Norton AntiVirus's Auto-Protect feature. Users can also use the dashboard to quickly view the last time virus definitions were updated.

Contextual Menu Support, Custom SafeZones

NAV 10 offers users quick and easy manual virus scans. The contextual menu support feature lets users scan files and directories "on-the-fly" by right clicking/control clicking on a particular file or directory. Users can scan specific files and directories manually without having to launch the Norton AntiVirus application.

The custom SafeZones feature gives users an added level of convenience and works to optimize system performance. Users can specify particular areas of their drive, or specific volumes or files, to be or not to be routinely scanned for threats. Video and media editors, for example, with large directories or volumes, can specify a SafeZone, to avoid time consuming scans of their entire hard drive. Smart volume scanning also allows Norton AntiVirus 10.0 for Macintosh to remember previously scanned CD or DVD media to eliminate unnecessary scans and keep users' machines running at peak performance.

Symantec says the suite continues to offer important core protection features such as automatic detection of viruses, worms and Trojan horse threats. The application's Auto-Protect functionality maximizes user protection by providing email scanning and monitoring of files and applications that get written to the hard dive. It also features LiveUpdate technology, which allows users to automatically receive the latest virus definitions for both Mac and PC viruses to always keep protection current. The package is also backed by the experts at Symantec Security Response to ensure users have the most advanced protection.
Norton AntiVirus 10.0 for Macintosh is expected to be available for purchase in mid-May.

by MacNN Staff