Norton Internet Security / Norton AntiVirus

[xxJackxx Spyware Scolder]

I searched for this and only found posts for products older than the 2012 version so I hope this hasn't already been asked. It seems the default for Smart Definitions is ON for the 2012 version. According to the help file this is no accident. Is there any good reason for me to change this setting on the 2012 version?

[JJespersen · Accepted solution]

Hi, xxJackxx,

I would say unless you use you computer in a very special way where you are in contact with very old viruses on a regular basis there is no need to change this setting.

If you like most people normaly don't come across old viruses often then leave it as is as you would still have huristics scanning like Sonar that will detect old virus types.

Best Regards,

Jespersen

[PapauZ Norton Fighter]

Hi,

the Full Definition Set gives your machine a little bit more work, and to eat less resource Symantec decided to change this setting to be turned on by default. With smart definitions your machine has the same protection as well, as the other technologies Norton 2012 products have will extend the product to be a total protection :).

[Bombastus]

I really don't see any difference in performance with Smart definitions or full definitions. The system is just as snappy with full, and the boot time stays the same as well, at least for me.

[PapauZ Norton Fighter]

On modern (2+ core proc, a lot of memory, fast HDDs) machines you probably will not notice anything, but on older ones it can slow down a little bit.

[xxJackxx Spyware Scolder]

Thanks for the repies. I think I will try leaving it as is for now as I rarely encounter any viruses let alone any old ones.