Symantec products and Microsoft Windows Vista compatibility
If you own a Norton security product and you're planning on upgrading from XP to Windows Vista or purchasing a new PC with Windows Vista, then you've come to the right place. Read on to learn about your eligibility to receive updates for Vista compatibility, expected availability dates of Windows Vista compatible products, the upgrade process, and more.
Which Symantec products will require an update to be compatible with Windows Vista?
Unless Windows Vista compatibility is specifically stated on the box or product page, all Norton products made available prior to the release Windows Vista will need to be updated to support the Windows Vista operating system.
Which Symantec products will be Windows Vista compatible?
The following list is the planned dates for when product will be available for download and in retail stores.
Symantec Consumer products for Windows Vista
ProductUpdate EligibilityAvailability Date - DownloadAvailability Date - In Stores
Norton Internet Security 2007Free update for eligible users*January 17, 2007January 29, 2007
Norton AntiVirus 2007Free update for eligible users*January 17, 2007January 29, 2007
Norton ConfidentialFree update for eligible users*January 28, 2007February 12, 2007
Norton Save & Restore 2.0Not eligibleMarch 1, 2007 March 1, 2007
Norton 360 Not applicable1st Quarter 20071st Quarter 2007
Ghost 12 Not eligibleApril 18, 2007 April 18, 2007
* Valid subscription required
How do I know if I'm eligible to receive a Windows Vista compatibility update for my Norton product?
Products offered under Symantec's service plans are eligible for Microsoft Windows Vista compatibility updates during their subscription period. Products sold under a perpetual license (products that do not have a recurring subscription component), such as Norton Ghost and Norton Save & Restore, are not eligible for a free update. Users can determine eligibility on Symantec's existing products by looking for the "Eligible for a free Windows Vista compatibility update" statement next to the Designed for Microsoft Windows XP logo on the box or from the "Ready for Windows Vista" sticker. Useers that have purchased these products will need to download updates from the Symantec website to install on Windows Vista.
If I want to buy a Norton product now, can I upgrade it later to be compatible with Windows Vista?
Sure. Just look for the "Eligible for a free Windows™ Vista compatibility update" statement next to the Designed for Microsoft Windows XP logo on the box. For products such as Norton Internet Security or Norton AntiVirus, this assures you're eligible to receive the update when you're ready to upgrade to Windows Vista.
Symantec products and beta versions of Microsoft Windows Vista
What if I plan to test the beta version of Windows Vista before the production version of Windows Vista is released? Will Symantec products be compatible with the beta version?
Individuals who are using the beta release of Windows Vista can test Norton products as they are made available through Symantec's External Testing Program. Additional information can be found on the Symantec External Testing Program page website.
Will I receive support from Symantec for beta-release products?
Phone or chat-based technical support is not available from Symantec. However, the knowledge base will have product specific support information as available.
Will new products released by Symantec support the beta versions of Microsoft Windows Vista?
Symantec products released with stated compatibility for the Microsoft Windows Vista operating system will only support production releases of that operating system. Installation of Symantec Norton products for beta releases of the new operating system will be blocked.
Security and Microsoft Windows Vista
What security will I need with Microsoft Windows Vista?
Although the Microsoft Windows Vista operating system has an improved security foundation, Microsoft still recommends additional security. In addition to protection against operating system and application attacks, consider solutions that will help protect you against deception-based online threats such as Trojans and phishing attacks. A comprehensive solution like Norton Internet Security, with components such as a firewall and antivirus that work together to thwart attacks, provides exceptional levels of protection.
Are there any known Vista vulnerabilities?
As with any complex operating system or application, there are bound to be vulnerabilities. Although Microsoft has not released the Windows Vista operating system, they have already released a patch in January 2006* related to a similar vulnerability discovered in Microsoft Windows XP.
*Microsoft issues WMF patch for Vista OS build, Computerworld, January 16, 2006