One of the most popular antivirus solutions is surely Norton Antivirus. There are many users that sustain this is the perfect application for every system, but Norton's opponents are saying the program requires too many resources for its functions. Following these statements, Symantec is working hard to improve its antivirus solution and today, they announced that Norton 360 is available as a public beta.

"Norton 360 combines Symantec's proven, industry-leading PC security and tuneup technologies with new automated backup and online transaction security capabilities. The service helps protect consumers from Internet threats, online scams and identity theft while safeguarding important documents, photos and music through automated online backup and restore functionality. Norton 360 is part of Symantec's broader Security 2.0 vision for the next generation of online security," Symantec said.

"Today's consumers want to be able to work and play in the connected world with confidence that their information and activities are secure. Norton 360 was created to provide computer users and their families a full range of protection that is automatic, powerful, and easy to understand and use. We're eager to receive customer feedback on the beta, as we make final adjustments for the formal launch of the product," said Enrique Salem, group president, Consumer Business Unit, Symantec Corp.

Norton 360 was designed to contain all the tools a computer needs, including PC protection against viruses, worms, Trojans and others, tune-up utilities, online backup solution and even protection against attackers and hackers. All you need to test Norton 360 is an Internet connection and Windows XP operating system. Symantec recommends you to uninstall all the security solutions before installing Norton 360. The beta version is available here and also on Softpedia as a free download, Symantec saying that the final version will be available for purchase in March 2007.