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Standard Windows security tools aren’t enough for today’s internet. The two main contenders for best computer security software are Norton 360 and McAfee Total Protection 2007. Best Buys chose Norton 360 over Norton Internet Security 2007 since the latter is overkill for most users.

Best Computer Security Software: Features

Symantec built a new security suite from the ground up in Norton 360. The result is a sleek, easy-to-use product that is light on system resources. It includes a full array of features except for the notable omission of wireless security.

Best Buys found McAfee Total Protection to be a Frankenstein application, cobbled together with bits of McAfee’s other products to create a crude assembly that clumsily stomps through your computer. Part of the difficulty is there are so many features it’s hard to find them all. It has everything Norton 360 has and more, including a full set of wireless security features.

Best Computer Security Software: Performance

Symantec suites have always been resource hogs, but that has changed. Best Buys found Norton 360 running only 3 processes with less effect on system performance than McAfee. Norton is substantially faster than McAfee in Sorensen Squeeze 4 deep scanning and boot speeds, slower in iTunes 6 deep scanning, and about the same in single file scanning.

For protection, McAfee performed better than Norton on CheckVir certification did, though both performed well. They both received advanced certification on AV Comparatives.

Best Computer Security Software: Support

Both manufacturers have improving their customer support but have a way to go. Neither offers tutorials. McAfee doesn’t have a downloadable manual and Norton’s is skimpy to the point of being useless.

Best Buys found both products offer adequate online knowledge bases. If your problem can’t be solved, they both offer support by email and chat for free and phone support for a fee.

Best Buys Choice

When it comes to choosing the best computer security software, Best buys recommends Norton 360 for the home user. If McAfee redesigns their interface the way Norton did, that might not be true next year.