Edited to add info on REMOVAL instructions. Symantec keeps this a secret. Amazon does not allow links, so search Google for the "RemoveSymantecMacFiles removal utility". It's on Symantec's Enterprise site.

I was finally able to remove every trace of the Symantec "bloatware." The uninstaller does not do this. Make sure you back up your entire system (I recommend SuperDuper) to a Firewire drive prior to doing this. I also recommend booting into Safe Mode to run the removal operation.

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I am a long time Mac user.

Reportedly in development for 5 years, this software does protect from viruses, including protecting your Mac from being a carrier of Windows viruses. However, there has never been an "in the wild" Mac virus.

My cable company is offering this suite as part of their service. I installed it, and discovered it was too intrusive, and blocked some programs from accessing the Internet. Unfortunately, there is no customizable firewall. It's either off or on. Virus scanning is too intrusive, too.

The only real reason for an AV on the Mac is to protect Windows users from files other Windows users may have sent you. That said, there is a much better, less intrusive product called Intego VirusBarrier that catches Windows viruses, in combination with the NetBarrier firewall which is extremely customizable. UPDATE: I've switched to the free Sophos AV software, and recommend it highly.

The problem: After testing Norton and deciding I didn't care for it, I uninstalled it. However, as I dug deeper into my system, I found the software did not completely uninstall. As with their Windows applications, Norton for Mac puts hidden files all over the place. After the uninstall, I found invisible Symantec files and deleted them.

On the next start-up, the Mac wouldn't start: gray screen of death. It would start up in Safe mode, and once after restarting from Safe mode, but not again. So, I reinstalled Norton, and it works again. This is shameful.

I do not recommend this software. Go with Intego or Sophos instead. Or, if Windows viruses are not an issue with you, then you're probably safe not running any AV. The Mac's built in firewall is excellent, too. If you really need to feel protected, go with the free version of iAntivirus which protects only against potential Mac threats (which really don't exist for most Internet users).

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gadget hoarder

Mac Internet Security

Reviewed in the United States on August 16, 2009

Mac Internet Security was a bit of a let down. Some folk say that its unnecessary as their aren't many cracker targeting the Mac, but they are out there. So best to be safe than sorry, but unfortunately Norton's software seem a bit half baked. The firewall sucks as compare to the windows version as there isn't as much control or details. On windows, Norton provides details about the port and the ip of the connection so that you can define robust rules, but the Mac version has none so it is only able to have blanket program rules in the firewall. Come on Norton, even iptables provides more control than that and I didn't have to shell out 60 bucks. Stick with Mac's built-in firewall until Norton comes out with something better.

19 people found this helpful

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LG19Gamer

Solid but busy software

Reviewed in the United States on January 18, 2011

Verified Purchase

- Solid Norton Security suite has all the bells and whistles
- Installed VERY easily - updated and was running in a short time
- Programs such as the firewall have advanced settings that may overwhelm some people if you starting digging into the menus
- It's a LOT of software...it's everything Norton offers, so it will take a while to fully understand what each "part" is doing or able to protect you from.
- If you want a real paid Mac security suite, this is it. There are other, cheaper, sometimes free but limited mac security programs that may be less cumbersome and may do a similar job, but this is for those who want to click install and be protected.

Reviewed in the United States on April 9, 2011

I would pay for software to safely remove this horrible product from my Mac. Ever since I installed the software, I began having trouble launching any browser and would receive an error related to a Symantec library file when Safari closed automatically. The uninstall function also results in an error message and just does not uninstall the software. I was able to essentially turn off Internet monitoring functionality and re-install Firefox, but I still have not repaired the issue with Safari. I would follow the advice of Red Green here.

Update: I downloaded the RemoveSymantecMacFiles zip file from the Symantec enterprise site, as recommended by Red Green in a previous review of this product, and it worked like a charm. Now Safari runs fine.

One person found this helpful

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Franklin J. Frayer Jr.

norton internet security observations

Reviewed in the United States on September 4, 2009

Verified Purchase

It arrived in a timely manner and was easy to install. It is not interfering with my operations and is doing what it should. One thing I wish I knew before buying was that this internet security included the virus check also. I could have bought a two license purchase for my laptop and my desk top. As it was I put the securiy on my laptop that goes to internet cafe's and virus checker on my desktop. Oh well, maybe wiser next time.

5 people found this helpful

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Bronco

Setting firewall security levels is a challenge

Reviewed in the United States on December 26, 2009

Verified Purchase

Good protection, I believe. Easy to install, but challenging for me to customize to my particular needs. Setting desired level of firewall security to allow the internet connections and applications that I need while disallowing others that might be malicious has not been easy. Unless the user is pretty computer and internet saavy, it tends to become an all or nothing (on or off) firewall which probably means inadequate or no protection.

15 people found this helpful

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M. Bakker

Norton internetr security 4.0 for MAC

Reviewed in the United States on October 14, 2009

Verified Purchase

Merchandise arrived in good condition. I also have Internet Security 2009 for PCs and like the PC version better because it has " log in" cards and other info that makes it easy to go to business websites, banks, airlines without having to remember different log in names and passwords. Possibly Norton will add that to the MAC version soon.

4 people found this helpful

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Si

A 'full' security suite for Mac

Reviewed in the United States on February 11, 2011

Verified Purchase

Great product. Very thorough - a complete suite. Scanning seems a bit slow, unless other virus scans aren't as thorough as this one.

One person found this helpful

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