topic Re: Anti-Virus Renewal Question in Electronics

Anti-Virus Renewal Question

Apple Head — Fri, 27 Mar 2015 18:19:47 GMT

I use Norton Internet Security and have always purchased the yearly update at Office Max or Staples in a box that contained a disc (CD Rom) you put in and it put the program on your computer.

From what I can tell, they don't sell the CD version anymore, you have to buy it as a download with key card to renew. I looked on the Internet, but it's hard to find the CD version anymore.

Just wondering if this is the norm and if it's safe to do it that way? I just hate how EVERYTHING in technology keeps changing. They think it's "easier" but 9 times out of 10 it's more work and more of a headache.

Am I okay in buying the key version for the download?

Thanks.

Re: Anti-Virus Renewal Question

Apple Head — Fri, 27 Mar 2015 19:54:17 GMT

No one reading this has thoughts? Oh well, thought the Electronics group could offer some advice.

Re: Anti-Virus Renewal Question

Nightowlz — Fri, 27 Mar 2015 20:05:47 GMT

It's Ok to do that. You would need to keep track of the code or what they give you to install it in case you have to re-install it. You will need that code. Better yet why don't you just use Microsoft Security Essentials? It's free. That's what I have on our desktop. DH also uses it on 1 laptop & his new laptop with 8.1 he uses something free that came with it. Cannot think of the name of it. If you decide to use the Microsoft Security Essentials you would need to uninstall your Norton or the 2 will compete with each other.

Re: Anti-Virus Renewal Question

ChynnaBlue — Fri, 27 Mar 2015 20:20:42 GMT

I've been using downloads for years and have never had a problem - anti-virus software, games, productivity, etc.. I can't remember the last time I used a CD to install something.

Re: Anti-Virus Renewal Question

Apple Head — Fri, 27 Mar 2015 20:26:30 GMT

Thanks. Good to know. I have Windows 7.

I'll also look into the Microsoft security, but people I know told me to not rely on that one in case Microsoft has some virus issues and their security software isn't detecting it.

Re: Anti-Virus Renewal Question

Nuttmeg — Fri, 27 Mar 2015 20:50:17 GMT

On 3/27/2015 Apple Head said:
Thanks. Good to know. I have Windows 7.

I'll also look into the Microsoft security, but people I know told me to not rely on that one in case Microsoft has some virus issues and their security software isn't detecting it.

I am using AVG on a Window 7 computer. The free program is very nice. This free program even scans your emails.

Re: Anti-Virus Renewal Question

Toppers — Fri, 27 Mar 2015 23:35:12 GMT

Apple Head, there are still antivirus programs out there in retail, where you can still buy the disk for the program.

If I recall correctly, I have seen them at both Wal-Mart and Best Buy.

If you want to buy an antivirus program online, you will be given the program license/key by the vendor when you buy the program.

I have used free programs, and have liked them. I liked the free version of Avast, that I decided to try the trial version of their Internet Security program. When the trial was up, I ended up buying the program.

Re: Anti-Virus Renewal Question

Lynnj — Fri, 27 Mar 2015 23:58:43 GMT

It is fine to download, as long as you pay are sure that where you are downloading from is in fact the company website, or reputable partner of that company. Downloading versus using CD is much more efficient, for both the consumer and manufacturer. I am sure you'll find, in time as you get used to the process, that it is actually more effecient for you too. No need for CDs anymore, in fact, my current computer doesn't even have a slot for that. One note about Norton Antivirus, the full suite is offered as a free download to Comcast customers. I used that for years with no problem previously when I used a PC as my computer. No longer needed with my Mac computer. When you think of the annual cost of antivirus software, given this is the full suite offered, it is a nice benefit Comcast offers its customers. If you use Comcast, let me know, and I will provide directions on how to locate the area on their website for you to download.

Re: Anti-Virus Renewal Question

Still Raining — Sat, 28 Mar 2015 03:10:19 GMT

CDs are pretty much a thing of the past. Many of the newer laptops don't even come with a drawer anymore. I haven't had a CD for any purpose for a number of years. Last year my new version of office was only a download and my new printer didn't come with a CD either. It actually displayed a message asking me if I wanted it to deal with hooking up to the computer all by itself and I would only throw up my hands and go ""whatever"".

It will be fine to download. Just be very sure you are on the correct website and keep track of any auto renewal charges on your credit card.

Re: Anti-Virus Renewal Question

Apple Head — Sat, 28 Mar 2015 04:22:51 GMT

I still burn CD's for gifts and just to have neat CD's to play with my music. My Dell still has a CD slot, but sad that it is becoming obsolete.

How will I make CD's for people now?

Re: Anti-Virus Renewal Question

Toppers — Sat, 28 Mar 2015 04:27:56 GMT

You can still buy laptops with the CD drives in them. They are still available.

My husband also has a relatively newer laptop that has a CD drive/drawer in it.

He wanted one like that so that he could use some of the CDs/DVDs that we already have here at home.

Re: Anti-Virus Renewal Question

kcladyz — Sat, 28 Mar 2015 04:38:14 GMT

Yes it is the norm and i thought your software would auto update but first prompt you to purchase? Also check with who provides your internet. I know Time warner gives you free antivirus with McCaffee

Re: Anti-Virus Renewal Question

glb613 — Sat, 28 Mar 2015 11:03:59 GMT

On 3/27/2015 kcladyz said:
Yes it is the norm and i thought your software would auto update but first prompt you to purchase? Also check with who provides your internet. I know Time warner gives you free antivirus with McAfee

Comcast also offers free antivirus with Norton or McAfee.

Re: Anti-Virus Renewal Question

Barbiedr — Sat, 28 Mar 2015 11:14:05 GMT

I have Kapersky which auto-renews but it's 2013. If I want the most current version, I have to un-instsall 2013 before I can install 2015. I'm afraid to do that as I'm afraid I'll get a virus in the process.

Re: Anti-Virus Renewal Question

glb613 — Sat, 28 Mar 2015 19:30:41 GMT

On 3/28/2015 Barbiedr said:
I have Kapersky which auto-renews but it's 2013. If I want the most current version, I have to un-instsall 2013 before I can install 2015. I'm afraid to do that as I'm afraid I'll get a virus in the process.

Turn off your wireless router or unplug your computer from the router before proceeding.

Re: Anti-Virus Renewal Question

robomo — Sat, 28 Mar 2015 19:42:15 GMT

You can download, but why not ask your bank if they have free anti-virus software you can download. So many of them do now and it's far superior to Norton and usually free. Just a thought.

Re: Anti-Virus Renewal Question

PamelaSue72 — Sun, 29 Mar 2015 12:15:03 GMT

Many companies (Microsoft) are doing away with installation disks. What you buy now is an activation key or key code. You go to the site, type in the code, and download your software that way. I have a new laptop and that's how I installed my Office 2013 Suite as well as my 3-year Kaspersky Total Internet Security package.

It's actually very easy. The first thing I did with Office 2013 was to create a back-up disk for everything, ALTHOUGH you can always go back to the site and re-install on the same computer if something happens.

With Kaspersky, you can pay an additional fee (about $10) and then receive a copy of the program on a back-up disk. If you want, you can always call Kaspersky (their Support service is excellent) and they will help you. You don't have to download the software from their site if you don't want to. Simply wait for the back-up disk to arrive in the mail and then install using the disk. (But you MUST uninstall the old Kaspersky first as security programs tend to not play nice with each other. Uninstall the Kaspersky 2013, restart your computer, install Kaspersky 2015, and you should be good to go.)

I've use Kaspersky now for years....on three different computers and on our Droid cell phones.

If you go to the Kaspersky website, you can get a 3-year program, so you won't have to deal with it for three years once it's installed. I have a 3 user, 3-year plan for our computers. The phone protection plan came free with my plan....that was last year when I bought it.

Re: Anti-Virus Renewal Question

Nuttmeg — Sun, 29 Mar 2015 12:27:16 GMT

On 3/29/2015 PamelaSue72 said:
Many companies (Microsoft) are doing away with installation disks. What you buy now is an activation key or key code. You go to the site, type in the code, and download your software that way. I have a new laptop and that's how I installed my Office 2013 Suite as well as my 3-year Kaspersky Total Internet Security package.

It's actually very easy. The first thing I did with Office 2013 was to create a back-up disk for everything, ALTHOUGH you can always go back to the site and re-install on the same computer if something happens.

With Kaspersky, you can pay an additional fee (about $10) and then receive a copy of the program on a back-up disk. If you want, you can always call Kaspersky (their Support service is excellent) and they will help you. You don't have to download the software from their site if you don't want to. Simply wait for the back-up disk to arrive in the mail and then install using the disk. (But you MUST uninstall the old Kaspersky first as security programs tend to not play nice with each other. Uninstall the Kaspersky 2013, restart your computer, install Kaspersky 2015, and you should be good to go.)

I've use Kaspersky now for years....on three different computers and on our Droid cell phones.

If you go to the Kaspersky website, you can get a 3-year program, so you won't have to deal with it for three years once it's installed. I have a 3 user, 3-year plan for our computers. The phone protection plan came free with my plan....that was last year when I bought it.

Some anti-virus software companies are slick. They will stop supporting a older version of windows when a new product like Window 10 hits the market.

Most ISP's give customers internet security suites free or low cost with service.

I still like AVG alone or in combo with Comodo firewall. These two programs are heavy duty.