today announced Norton Internet Security 3.0 for Macintosh, which is scheduled to be widely available in June. It will now include a new parental control feature that blocks Web sites that are inappropriate for viewing by children and will also include Norton AntiVirus 9.0. Version 9 features the ability to find and repair Windows/PC-compatible viruses to protect users from the most common type of viruses and to avoid infecting friends and colleagues.

The suite includes Norton Privacy Control, providing Internet users with important tools to protect their personal information and to improve their Web surfing experiences. Parents can either create their own list of inappropriate sites to block, or they can download a regularly updated URL list from Symantec. Norton Privacy Control also offers users new advanced ad blocking capabilities, which prevents more types of Web-based advertising delivery, including JavaScript. Additionally Norton Privacy Control has enhanced confidential data blocking to help users avoid unknowingly or accidentally sending out sensitive information online, including via Instant Messenger programs.




Norton AntiVirus 9.0 for Macintosh will now protect users from passing along the most common types of computer viruses, as well as worms and Trojans. It will also include the ability to quarantine "unrepairable" virus-infected files, and allow users to scan and repair compressed Mac files. Symantec has also enhanced LiveUpdate, helping users to dramatically reduce the time it takes to download new virus definitions.



Norton Personal Firewall 3.0 adds a new Set-up Assistant to ensure easy installation and configuration and provides a higher level of security by blocking both inbound and outbound connections and also allows users to identify and trace potential hacking attempts in real-time with the new Visual Tracking feature. The suite also includes iClean by Aladdin Systems for quick removal of cookies, cache and history files to further protect users' privacy.




Norton Internet Security 3.0 for Macintosh runs on Mac OS X and Mac OS 9 and is available now for pre-order for $100. 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. Norton AntiVirus 9.0 for Macintosh and Norton Personal Firewall 3.0 for Macintosh run on Mac OS X and Mac OS 9 and can also be pre-ordered separately as stand alone products for $70 each. They are expected to ship in early June.

by MacNN Staff