Norton 360 from Symantec is a comprehensive consumer security solution for Windows Vista that offers a full suite of protection, security and tune up utilities all in one and eliminates the need to purchase and manage multiple products. Another highlighted feature is free backup and restore functionality, including 2GB of secure online storage space. While beta is free, final or RTM version of Norton 360 which will be Windows XP and Vista compatible, will be on sale by March.

Some features of Norton 360 are:

  • Defends your PC against a broad range of threats
  • Removes viruses from email and instant messages
  • Blocks Internet worms at point of entry
  • Safeguards against online identity theft
  • Stops spyware from tracking you online
  • Authenticates popular shopping and banking Web sites
  • Protects you from phishing sites designed to steal your confidential information
  • Protects important files from loss
  • Keeps your PC tuned up for peak performance
  • Provides a hassle-free user experience
  • Protects against the latest online threats
  • Discovers new files and backs up that data automatically
  • Automatically back up important files to a secure online service
  • Local backup to CD, DVD or external drive
  • Automatically removes unwanted Internet clutter and temporary files that can slow down your PC’s performance

Download free Norton 360 beta (no longer available). By downloading and using Norton 360 beta before 15 January 2007, the beta testers are entitled to $30 discount coupon to offset against the retail price of Norton 360 final release.

Update: Norton 360 final.