Norton 360 subscription only ?

[gromit]

We've been using Norton 360 for some time, I'm sure there may be better/cheaper anti-virus packages but SWMBO just purchased a new copy.

When going to install it I found it's a 'subscription' with automatic renewal and needs your credit card details to activate. Seems you might be able to turn off the automatic renewal but I'm a bit ticked off that like other major software companies they want direct control of your wallet.

This will be the last time we use 360, this package has been paid for so it will get used.

What alternatives are there that you, as the user, can control without giving them your credit card details ?
Most of our PC's are 'old', in fact two are running XP without issue although I think Microsoft are slowing them down gradually.


Colin

[disco gazza]

I have been using Norton for years.

If you go to the website and log-in, under your name it will show : automatic renewal service: section.

Go into that and turn it off.

cheers

DG

[DiscoDB]

This is actually normal for a subscription service and would have been sold at a reduced price compared to the auto-renewal price. As already noted you can immediately cancel the auto-renewal at any time and your license is still valid for the full original license period. So agree - turn off auto renewal immediately.

When it does come up time for renewal (assuming you have turned the auto-renewal off), you can just buy a new license on-line to get a new product key from a 3rd party reseller like SaveOnIt and use the new key to renew.

[gromit]

I have been using Norton for years.

If you go to the website and log-in, under your name it will show : automatic renewal service: section.

Go into that and turn it off.



This is actually normal for a subscription service and would have been sold at a reduced price compared to the auto-renewal price. As already noted you can immediately cancel the auto-renewal at any time and your license is still valid for the full original license period. So agree - turn off auto renewal immediately.

When it does come up time for renewal (assuming you have turned the auto-renewal off), you can just buy a new license on-line to get a new product key from a 3rd party reseller like SaveOnIt and use the new key to renew.

Thanks guys,
Always nervous when someone needs your credit card details for something you've already paid for.
Last time I looked (which was a few years ago) it was cheaper to buy a new version that auto renew. It seems now to be an auto renewing subscription.

They aren't keen for you to turn it off. I got asked about 4 times in different ways whether I was really sure I wanted to turn off auto renewal.


Colin

[DiscoDB]

Thanks guys,
Always nervous when someone needs your credit card details for something you've already paid for.
Last time I looked (which was a few years ago) it was cheaper to buy a new version that auto renew. It seems now to be an auto renewing subscription.

They aren't keen for you to turn it off. I got asked about 4 times in different ways whether I was really sure I wanted to turn off auto renewal.


Colin

True - and when I last checked for a 5 device renewal it was $180 a year from Norton, versus $60 for a new 5 device license from SaveOnIt. So a trap for some I am sure.

It is the virus definition updates you are subscribing to - and you do want this. Was nice when you could buy software outright and get free updates, but these options are disappearing.

One comment the 2 computers you have running XP will probably really slow down running Norton.

[gromit]

One comment the 2 computers you have running XP will probably really slow down running Norton.

I've had Norton on these computers for years.
They are a bit slow but usable for internet, word processing etc. One of the kids is using one for schoolwork OK.
They do have a lot of, how do I put this, software where you need a wooden leg, a patch over one eye and a parrot on your shoulder to use. Not often utilised but would be difficult to replace and, if purchased, very expensive.

A couple of years ago purchased a small laptop for SWMBO. With Office at the time you had a choice of outright purchase or subscription, we went for outright purchase. I guess this is a thing of the past, these huge corporations want to dip into your wallet annually.
I'd have to check what version of Office is on the two XP machines, it's got to be 12 -15 years old but does everything we need.



As you mention, it was nice when you purchased software and got minor updates free.


Colin

[DiscoMick]

Do your computers have Google or Microsoft anti-virus programs as part of the standard software package?
If so, that's probably all you need, as long as they are set to update regularly.
We've had Norton and AVG at times, but decided they were a waste of money.

[incisor]

i refuse to install norton 360 on any computers i sell or work on unless i get a release from the purchaser

lost count of the number of machines it has crucified within a month esp x64 boxes

the base norton antivirus product was a much better product although the head guy once admitted they only ever found about 45% of the viruses in the wild, at best

should i mention the fact that many viruses specifically target the product...

but it certainly has it's fair share of true believers...