Norton answers McAfee's SiteAdvisor with Safe Web beta

Symantec is beta testing a new product called Safe Web, built on top Norton Internet Security 2009, which performs many of the same functions as competitor McAffee's SiteAdvisor.

Safe Web requires Norton Internet Security 2009 to run on the user's computer. This differs from McAfee's SiteAdvisor offering, which is a standalone plug-in for Internet Explorer, and a Firefox extension that is also compatible with the Macintosh according to BetaNews tests.

Both services have a public site -- in Symantec's case safeweb.norton.com -- where users can search the database for information on the sites they visit.

But Symantec is taking it one step further, allowing users themselves to submit reviews and alerts through its Community Watch program, which speeds the notification process, the company claims.

"This trusted information helps us deliver rapid analysis and categorization of the safety and security of the Web pages you're thinking of visiting," said Symantec senior vice president of consumer products and core technologies.

The beta of Norton Internet Security 2009 can be downloaded from Fileforum, while the Safe Web beta can be downloaded from Symantec's Web site.