You can also view a diagnostic report that checks various issues such as whether there’s hardware that’s not working properly, whether your operating system is up to date, and whether you should review your startup programs. There’s also Norton’s Power Eraser, which is supposed to delete particularly stubborn threats, and Norton Insight, a feature that assesses the files on your machine to determine which ones, if any, need to be monitored more closely. You can run a standard quick scan, a full system scan, a custom scan, or a custom task such as cleaning out temporary browser files, optimizing your hard disk (don’t do this to an SSD), and backing up files. Overall, this section is straightforward and easy to understand.

Security (pictured above) is where you can run security scans, update the software, see your device’s history of recent security events, and an Advanced option for adjusting your various protection options such as the enhanced firewall, intrusion protection, email protection, browser protection, and so on. When the Performance section is highlighted, for example, it shows a live count of overall CPU system usage and Norton CPU usage. The status area above changes as you switch between categories giving you an overview of another aspect of your PC.

There’s also a fifth category called More Norton with supplemental software. Exclusive PCWorld deal! Get Norton 360 Premium for 69% off MSRPīelow the status area are four primary categories: Security, Online Safety, Backup, and Performance.

What is norton utilities premium review