I continue to be tormented by the Anti-Virus shell game.
Anti-virus software in stores (or on Amazon for that matter) is always on sale. Norton continues to do this, and when you “register” you are asked for a Credit Card. You can’t get updates without giving them a credit card, and that means they have got you. You must keep getting updates to keep the software working to specification.
In a year when your “subscription” is to be renewed, the renewal price is at least twice as much as you paid the previous year.
You do have a way out, you can go on line, and turn off Auto-Renew on your subscription. This is where it gets interesting.
- You click the Auto-Renew to “No“
- Suddenly it asks for a reason why? I answered, “Too expensive“
- Next the web site says, “What if we give you an Amazon $30 Gift Card?”
- Where was this perk? This kind of bate and switch silliness I expect from Rogers or Bell. with this “perk” suddenly the cost of renewing isn’t as bad.
- If you just don’t like this, keep saying No, maybe you’ll get other “perks”? A set of Ginsu Knives?
I really despise this kind of product silliness, but it looks like the Anti-Virus world is becoming like other Tech Firms (e.g. Internet Provider, Cell Phone Provider, etc.,).
Conclusions
Is the Anti-Virus worth having? Maybe, I am sure folks will argue you don’t need it, or worse, they don’t work, but I will continue to play along (for now).
Interesting (and somewhat annoying) experience you’ve had. Mine has been somewhat different. I have McAfee for my anti-virus. It came as one of those “free trial” software items when I purchased my laptop. Sure it has annual subscription fees but those have remained reasonably constant, starting out at $80/year for the first few years and rising to $90 the past two years.
I trust that is for more than just 1 laptop?