Generally, MS Office must be installed from a CD.. Which site are you attempting to download the programs from?

Most importantly, please tell us the operating system being used on the Netbook and the type of internet connection you're using? Wireless or wired? If wireless, where is the wireless network at? Do other computers on the same network function normally?

And yes, Norton can frequently cause issues with downloads.. Tried temporarily disabling the firewall?

Hope this helps and let us know more.

Grif