The interface shows you clearly what you're protected against, how up-to-date your virus definitions are, and when you last checked your entire system. Any problem areas are marked in red and you get a reminder to go online and get up-to-date definitions as soon as you install. By default the software will try to repair any infected files automatically, although you can choose to delete or quarantine them instead. It also keeps you up-to-date by scheduling a full scan of your PC once a week and checking for new updates whenever you're online.

In addition to looking for known viruses, the Norton AntiVirus Bloodhound feature tries to spot new viruses and worms by the way they behave. And besides checking the files that are already on your PC, the software checks for viruses in files you download from the Web, in e-mail, and now in instant messages. If you use MSN Messenger you'll need to reboot; other messaging tools are protected straight away.

With e-mail, Norton AntiVirus can check incoming and outgoing messages and files in POP3 clients like Outlook Express. While earlier versions would prevent you from getting infected by an e-mail worm, this update stops you from passing the infection on to others.

Norton AntiVirus 2003 Professional Edition is an excellent way to guard against viruses. And it's a good way to protect two PCs and make doubly sure any files you download aren't dangerous!!