Four tools make up the Norton Internet Security 2002 suite: Norton AntiVirus 2002, Norton Personal Firewall 2002 (two topnotch products also sold separately), Privacy Control, and Parental Control. This is the same mix as before, but each element has been modestly upgraded. For example, instant-message filtering keeps personal or confidential material from being transferred via Instant Messenger, while the ad-blocking feature removes banner ads from online sites, noticeably speeding up page downloads. The parental control features in this new release keep young people from accessing inappropriate material through file-sharing programs and instant messages, in addition to blocking the content of specific Web sites.

Like earlier editions, Norton Internet Security 2002 is virtually self-configuring--simply insert the CD, install, and reboot. Then use the Security Assistant wizard to customize your level of protection simply by clicking links or answering Yes/No questions, although the preconfigured settings are sufficient to protect PCs in most situations. A new network wizard makes configuration of the personal firewall on home networks easy by detecting local files and printer shares. It also greatly simplifies setting up a firewall to protect multiple PCs sharing one Internet connection; it automatically identifies all machines on the network and configures the gateway that is actually connected to the Net.

If you already own Norton Internet Security 2001 this year's model may not be a compelling upgrade, but those without PC protection software or for users of Windows XP, Norton Internet Security 2002 is a complete protection solution. --Roger Gann, Amazon.uk.co

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