Been a Norton user just about since I got my first computer back in 1994. Right now, I have NIS 2013 installed on 2 desktops and a laptop. Use Norton Utilities, as well. It is easy to get frustrated at times when software doesn't perform as expected. And frustrated I became recently with the Identity Safe feature constantly asking for a system restart and basically shutting down Symantec Service Framework. I tried everything I could think of, to no avail - since, it has been identified as a IS/Anti-Spam/Office 365 issue. A suitable [for me] temporary workaround was announced in a thread here - http://community.norton.com/t5/Norton-Toolbar-Norton-Identity/N-I-S-2013-and-update-20-3-Keep-having-to-restart-andI-get/td-p/914843/highlight/true - and I am content to wait until a proper fix is released.
But, before that, it was driving me crazy. I rely on Norton Identity Safe and its constant apparent mal-function made me want to look elsewhere. I uninstalled NIS on my main PC, installed the free version on the stand-alone Identity Safe, and then tried out numerous internet security programs via their free-trials, looking for a new Internet Security program. I tried, among others, the built in Windows defender/firewall, Comodo, AVG, McAffe, Zone Alarm, Vipre, BitDefender, Trend Micro, Avast, Kaspersky ... maybe more. Some were OK, some were clunky ...
I have to say, NONE of them seemed to match NIS. NIS has the smoothest, sharpest interface, best constant protection, most complete array of features. I had to go back. Thank you Norton for what is, to my mind, the best home Internet Security program out there! Problems aside, I'm sticking with you!