It may only be early Q2 2010, but Symantec is previewing its 2011 range of security software. Both Norton Internet Security 2011 Beta and Norton AntiVirus 2011 Beta feature enhanced performance so scans run quicker than in previous version and the software uses fewer system resources.

Norton AntiVirus 2011 not only offers protection against viruses and spyware, but also helps to improve overall system performance by warning when other programs are using large amounts of memory and other resources. System Insight enables users to take control of their computers and reduce slow down.

As many viruses are delivered through downloaded files, Download Insight automatically scans files that are received by download, as email attachments or through an instant messaging client.

Norton Internet Security 2011 includes all of the features of its sibling, but also boasts a firewall and a number of tools to help protect against identity theft and password stealers. Norton Identity Safe is a secure database that can be used to store login information and credit card details and automatically fill in online forms.

Malicious web sites are an increasing problem and known malicious sites are automatically blocked by Norton Internet Security 2011. In addition to this, the suite scans the search results of Yahoo, Google and Bing, providing users with a safety rating for any listed sites.

Symantec has also announced two free security products in the form of Norton Power Eraser and Norton Bootable Recovery Tool. Norton Power Eraser can be used to remove deeply embedded malware that traditional security tools are unable to remove. Norton Bootable Recovery Tool can be used to create a bootable CD, DVD or USB stick that can be used to scan for infections without the need to boot into Windows.

The beta programs require free registration at the Noron beta center.