What Price Security

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What Price Security

Since its introduction by McAfee in 2001, Automatic Renewal has become the accepted practice for today's protection software. Whether its initial introduction was for corporate profits, or for customer protection, once wary consumers now see the advantages of seamless protection.

Today's world of relentless attacks from Virus, hijackers, and Trojans has made Anti Virus and other protection software mandatory. Even a single day without AV protection almost assures you of an infection. Because of threats like the recent and highly publicized E Card, the seamless protection of automatic renewal is here to stay.

The last seven years have given us the opportunity to see how automatic renewal works. Consumers need to distinguish between what is a convenience for them and what is little more than a scam. By keeping in mind the features that follow, everyone should be able to make an informed and solid buying decision.

First and foremost you should know what you are buying. If auto renewal is a good thing it should be in plain sight. With Norton and some others you have to look long and hard for a disclosure that reads: "By placing this order, you consent to Symantec automatically renewing your annual subscription ..." Look for a product that displays this fact prominently and up front.You don't want to find out 1 to 12 months down the road that you made a purchase without knowing it. Since automatic renewal is a valuable tool, it should be featured as a benefit and not buried in fine print. Buy from a company that is proud of their renewal feature.

The second thing required from a good product is the ability to Opt Out. Most companies give you a chance to Opt Out of the renewal process. With Symantec you are not given that option. When you buy from their site and with a credit card you must also purchase Auto Renewal. That's it, no other choice.

Symantec is supposed to include instructions for Opting out with its confirmation e-mail, which is received after the purchase. But what if that e-mail is filtered out or not received. It will most likely be another 11 months before the next notification. Maybe you receive the pre-charge notification email and maybe it gets filtered out. Before buying any software make sure you have the option of Opting Out before the purchase.

Certainly you want to know what you will be paying for renewal. Some companies only specify that you will be "charged the normal retail at time of renewal". Consumers should never enter an open-ended contract like that. Almost every local news program has regular pieces done on the elderly couple that entered into a contract without understanding the price and ended up losing their savings. A reputable company should reward you for being a repeat customer. Reduced prices for repeat customers are a time honored tradition in the world's commerce. With discounts and promo codes available all over the Internet, why would anyone want to buy from a company that charges more and more each time? Why penalize the repeat customer? The "normal retail at time of renewal" is a warning of bad things to come. You want to see a specific price, such as $10.99, quoted for renewal.

Today's fast-paced world almost requires that we do our banking on line, make our payments on line, and even send our cards and letters online. Debit cards and online purchasing are rapidly replacing cash and even checks. It's safe, convenient, and fast. It's definitely here to stay. Keep yourself aware of good spending practices and safeguards. Go with companies that have earned your business by providing solid security and putting your best interests before their bottom line.

On a Saturday morning in 2008 you're having coffee and going over your monthly bills. There's a charge from Symantec for $59.99 mixed in with the other 12 items on your American Express. You quickly scan the items; click transfer funds, and Bingo. You've just given Symantec a 54% price increase from what you paid last year. It's just that easy, and yet that's just what we are allowing. It's absolutely essential to purchase and support companies that let you know the price of your purchase before hand.

shogan191: What Price Security (Sun, 16 Sep 2007 02:09:10 GMT)

If you install Norton from Norton on the net and not NewEgg for example, yes you would have to notify Norton to Opt out or you will be charged regardless of what else you have or don't have on the computer.
OR
If you buy Norton from Norton on the Internet there is no option but to buy with AutoRenewal and you will be charged at the renewal time unless you opt out. They are banking on you not opting out. It's designed along the same principal as Factory Rebates. They know that only a fraction of the people who would like to Opt Out, will.

After doing research for the article I decided I would rather buy products on an individual basis and not all included in one large protection suite. My decision was based completely on function and performance and not on price.

Anyone interested in a secure PC should research what type of protection software is right for them. There isn't one best answer. It's an on going, growing and changing thing. A well designed and written program is one thing but keeping the virus detections updated is the important thing.

Paliden31756: What Price Security (Sat, 15 Sep 2007 08:33:58 GMT)

QUOTE(shogan191 @ 10:25pm Fri Sep 14 2007) [snapback]1423105[/snapback]

The auto renewal applies to products bought over the internet from Norton. That is the only way they can have your credit card on file. It's certainly not available from a retail store nor when activating on line.

As far as using someones software; the charge from Norton is to the person who bought the software not to who is using the software.

Sorry Shogan, I guess I did not phrase that last question right.

Say you installed Norton 360 from the net, you had bought the 1yr renewal, then 10 months down the line, you uninstall it and then installed someone Else's product. Question is , If you uninstalled Norton, it's up to you to contact Norton that you want to OPT-OUT from the renewal, right ? Sounds easy but we all know better right ?

Another question here, CPU Mag had done a comparison between Suites that take care of security, Like Norton 360, and buying 1 app for each area that one needs to secured there computer, Is there any REPUTUBLE web sites that show which is BEST ?

Am the type of user that security needs change, Sure I d/l with AVG active and then I shut it down to play a game on my computer with no net active, like game mode. Am sure if you fire up at least 1 game, it tends to check on-line for updates and this is a no-brainer.

Any comments or suggestions ?

shogan191: What Price Security (Sat, 15 Sep 2007 04:25:21 GMT)

QUOTE(Paliden31756 @ 2:27pm Fri Sep 14 2007) [snapback]1422927[/snapback]

Does anyone know if this applies to buying said Norton product at a retail store and then activating over the Internet ? Or is this buying the product On-Line and then having to deal with that issue ?

Is there any way knowing if there's a difference between buying On-Line vs Retail ?

How about if you uninstall said Norton product and then use someone Else's product, are you going to be charged for the renewal from Norton ?

Lee Barr: What Price Security (Fri, 14 Sep 2007 23:14:57 GMT)

"Hey!!!!!! We protect you from the wolves!!!"Said the baggy clothed "sheep" with claws on his paws.

Same old story............."Show me the MONEY"

Paliden31756: What Price Security (Fri, 14 Sep 2007 18:27:42 GMT)

cmunson: What Price Security (Wed, 05 Sep 2007 22:03:09 GMT)

http://www.pcpitstop.com/news/price.asp

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What Price Security