Labs

Symantec has recently launched its Norton Internet Security 2007 software but, as we went to press, it didn't include Norton AntiSpam. We were surprised the 2005 version is the latest, which is why we are reviewing it here. The company did not create a 2006 version and the next release will be as a free download for owners of Internet Security 2007. For now you can still buy AntiSpam 2005 but it costs twice as much as it did over a year ago. This is partially because you can no longer

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buy it cheaply from Amazon.co.uk.

The software is as easy and pleasant to use as we've come to expect from software in the Norton range. It also takes a long time to set up, as there are plenty of updates that need to be downloaded. Fortunately, the LiveUpdate system makes this a straightforward process.

When you first run Outlook, the software offers to set up the email program for you. This adds buttons to Outlook and allows the anti-spam system to intercept incoming and outgoing mail. It checks outgoing messages to help train the spam detection engine.

Norton AntiSpam 2005 had mixed results in our tests. It detected 62 per cent of our spam, which is acceptable and nearly identical to last year's test result. However, it also sent 40 per cent of real messages to the spam bin.

This is not a bad program, but it is far too expensive. It is not widely available at discount rates, as it was last time we rated it. Norton users should wait for the free add-on to Norton Internet Security 2007, while others should buy SpamCatcher or Cloudmark Desktop.