The Symantec program goes even further. Many Web sites use ActiveX controls and Java applets, basically small utilities that, on the Internet, allow you to interact with the Web sites and, among other things, to make possible Web-based multimedia experiences. But ActiveX controls and Java applets can be designed by hackers for evil intent. Norton will let ActiveX controls and Java applets through. You can also set the program to block the utilities, or to invoke an assistant to allow, block or create a rule for each applet or ActiveX control that comes your way.
Some computer professionals suggest that the settings be set as high as possible.
For good measure, Norton also protects your computer against the routine collection of information by Web sites, including the data that can be transmitted back to Web sites by cookies. McAfee takes a middle ground between BlackICE and Personal Firewall. When you install McAfee, you can choose whether it should block all Internet traffic, filter the traffic, or allow all traffic. At installation, it also lets you configure which applications on your computer should have access to the Net. If you like to fiddle more with the height and thickness of the wall, McAfee lets you do so.