Anti-virus question - Which is better - software or subscription?

[always quiet]

Last year, I signed up with McAffee on line virus scan. I paid a one time fee for one year with all updates included in the cost. Is this better than buying the program and installing it yourself? Once you buy the program, do they automatically update your program like the on line virus scan does? My subscrition renews in April and thought I'd check out other options before it comes due.

Thanks for any and all info!

 

[Shutterbug]

Not exactly sure what you mean you signed up with McAffee online. When you signed up didnt you have to also download the virus program onto your computer?

From my experiences (I have Norton) when you buy the program it includes a subscription for a period of time that includes virus updates. When the subscription is up you can renew it for another year for x amount of dollars. To renew is always cheaper than buying more software.

 

[always quiet]

I downloaded from their website.....said the subscription was for one year, all updates included. I think it was $29.95.

 

[Shutterbug]

I would go to their website and try to find out how much it is to renew when the time comes. Usually when the virus program subscription is over a pop up usually pops up when you sign on telling you what you need to do to renew. I dont think you will have to download more software.

 

[Dan Murphy]

I think with the two most popular AV programs, Norton and McAffee, both offer software that can be purchased in a store, with a disc, or online, with a download. I think the price is the same for both mediums, probably competitively the same for both firms. With that purchase comes a year update to definitions, usually available weekly, as well as minor, ongoing 'tweaks' in the software engine as the year goes on. On an annual basis, if you want to keep the defintions going, you ante up for a new, annual subscription for x$. However, the firms also come out each year with their 'all new and improved' version of the engine, generally for not much more than a renewal subscription, and includes a year's updates along with it. My decision is to generally buy the 'all new' program for a couple bucks more.

Make sense??

 

[Fire14]

I use mcaffee software version and if I pay full price it's 29.95 ish with tax etc. I personally prefer software so if I have to wipe hard drive/computer crashes I can just pop disk in and put it back in than only have to do updates online. Last few times I've upgraded I've gotten it free d/t in store rebates along with upgrader rebates from manufactuer. If you go software version it will update automatically if you set it to do that which I do.

 

[adamak]

They are the same thing. If you buy the software, installed it at home, you'll still need to run update every so often to get the latest "definition". Definition is like a regular subscriptions to the latest updates of the virus info.

You can automate the updates through the software configuration, so that it checks regularly from its parent's site. And you define what "regularly" means. I personally think you should check for updates at least once a day.

So, if you get the subscriptions from the website, it's essentially the same thing. The software is not on your PC, but it'll scan & push the latest stuff on you instead, whenver you are online.

Technically, I think buying the software & installed it locally is better. You never know when you're going to hit by virus, (you may be offline opening a file) and what the virus can do. The next virus may forbid you from getting to the internet, and your online subscription could be disabled.

 

[always quiet]

When I start my computer, McAffee always starts up automatically (it is pinned to my start up menu like they recommend). Wouldn't that mean that even if I am not connected to the internet, it is still protecting my computer??

Next question (I know, I am being a pain in the butt! ). If I go out and get the disc, can I just install it or do I have to uninstall the current version? Would it just overwrite the program?

 

[Dan Murphy]

Yes and yes.

 

[always quiet]

Here is what they are currently offering:

http://us.mcafee.com/root/package.asp?PkgID=100


They are also offering a $20 rebate which would make it $14.95 for the year....all updates included. Not bad!!

 

[Deb & Bill]

I have the McAfee subscription for both virus and firewall. It is great. They update automatically. So I'm protected all the time. I do run the virus scan every so often in case I get anything between the time they update my software.

I get little popups about new viruses and about the newest automatic update.

Works for me.

 

[always quiet]

Deb & Bill,

I don't know when you renew, but that $20 rebate is good til the end of June!!