Norton Internet Security Dual Protection

About three years ago, Apple started using the same technology that's in most Windows PCs, which meant that Macs can now run Windows as well.

All Macs now include an option called Boot Camp that allows users to use either Windows or the Mac OSX operating system. This gives them the best of both worlds, but it also means that you’re effectively running two completely different computers – each of which is vulnerable to viruses and other attacks from the internet.

Symantec has released a special Dual Protection version of its Norton Internet Security software that includes both Mac and Windows versions of the software in the same box. It's also useful if you run a household that includes both kinds of computer.

Macs are less prone to viruses than Windows PCs, so Norton Antivirus for Mac isn’t yet an absolutely essential item for most Mac users. However, the Mac half of the program also includes Norton Confidential and Norton Firewall to provide protection from other types of threats.

Norton Confidential can prevent people who are using your computer from sending out information such as credit card numbers, or put password protection onto individual files that may contain important information, an option not provided by the Mac’s built-in Filevault feature.

The firewall program replaces the Mac’s built-in firewall, but while it does provide a number of useful options, Symantec hasn't provided clear enough information about how it works. Most people – whether they’re Mac or PC users – won’t understand jargon such as ‘Kerberos on port 88’, and Symantec has assumed too much knowledge here.

The PC side of things is more straightforward – which is not surprising as Symantec has more experience with PCs than with Macs. Features such as the Smart Firewall can be installed without having to worry too much about any of the technical settings.

The PC version of the software also provides an option to download free add- on packs that can add email spam protection, as well as parental control tools for blocking access to adult websites (although it’s odd that these aren’t simply included on the CD in the box in the first place).

To be honest, the Mac half of this software suite is much more limited than the Windows half, and most Mac users will probably get by quite happily without it.

However, if you run Windows on your Mac or you have both Mac and Windows computers the threats aimed at Windows mean that online security is essential.

You could just buy the Windows version of Norton Internet Security on its own for £50, but for £20 extra this Dual Protection package provides peace of mind for both sides of the fence, and is probably a good investment for home users with children who may download things without thinking about the risks first.