PC antivirus software deal

[JB]

My subscription to Norton Internet Security 2004 just expired. I tried to renew the antivirus component, but they require are full sub for IS 2004 which is $10 more. Since I don't care too much for norton (long boot times, proper removal has required a disk reformat in past) I figured I try something else.

Earlier this year I needed an antivirus program. A fresh install of Windows XP lead me to a 1/2 price discount offer on TrendMicro PCillin through a Microsoft promotion. After reading some positive reviews I decided to try it. After 5 months I"m satisfied, and at $24.97 it's a good deal.

Here's a shortened version of the link I found on microsoft's site.
http://url123.com/dxu84

[Nords]

Quote:

Originally Posted by JB My subscription to Norton Internet Security 2004 just expired.

That has to be one of the whiniest, most alarmist programs I've ever owned. It treats users as idiots from a Dilbert cartoon.

This morning (just before I uninstalled it) it alarmed on my 56K modem sending a fax. Apparently port 1024 is a popular attack for a Trojan horse.

A couple days ago the Vanguard Diehards board posted a link to highly-rated freeware/shareware programs.

[JohnP]

JB -

Watch the weekend ads for computer retailers - the usual suspects, compusa, bestbuy, staples, frys, office depot, office max, etc.* Look for products containing the Internet Security or anti-virus products and see who has it for FAR (Free After Rebate).* The 2006 updates are now out for many products - you will have to negotiate two or three rebates including a Upgrade Rebate which may involve sending in the inside cover page from the manual of any earlier product (never toss the manuals!).* This week I upgraded to the SystemWorks Premier including AV, Norton Utilities, Ghost, etc. at a free-after-rebate price.

Do this every year and get free upgrades on these products - Norton/Symantec is one of the best companies at paying back the rebates.* I've tried other anti-virus software but keep coming back to Norton.* A rebate is great, free is better - If you like it, its great, if you don't like it you are not out the list price!

Check it out -

Best Regards

* JohnP

[Nords]

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnP I've tried other anti-virus software but keep coming back to Norton.

I hate Symantec's firewall but I love their virus scanner. Painless & invisible, only lets me know when it's had to kill something.

The Navy gives out free copies & subscriptions to Symantec Antivirus Corporate Edition. I've been running v8.1 since 2002 with no complaints. If you're in the Navy then your IT staff owes you a copy, and other branches of the military or even DoD might have a similar program.

If you're an employee of a civilian company then your IT staff may give you a copy just to keep your telecommuting from harming their network. Explain to them that it's an HR perk in their best interests, and they may find the budget for a few more licenses.

[MJ]

I also got Symantec Corp version since my company's Dell laptop was one of the going away gifts for my forced ER.
I schedule the AV to run nightly to scan my drives and automatically update the virius definitions. I have had no problems with either and the price for them was just right.

The only complaint I have is that Symantec AV could have a new updated virus definition list every day, but their update software only does 1 update a week. I guess they don't want to voluntarily download updates daily to save money. Really stupid. When I was at work, I used to use a link to update my defs daily. Too lazy now.

[riskadverse]

While I'm no fan of Norton or most antivirus software - it sometimes seems the cure is worse than the disease, I've always had good luck at reinstalling Norton and it will reup for another year. Eventually the version gets so out of date it won't install, so then start looking around for a new version that's free with rebate. I've never bought an antivirus software package, unless you count one that is bundled with a new peecee.