Deal of the week ! (computer security)
My computer security package expired the other day.
For the past year, I've had McAfee.
So, I recently researched articles about free anti-virus programs. At one point, a while back, I had AVG free. One of the top rated free programs in an article I read recently is Avast. Thus, I currently have that. However, the free trial expires in 30 days.
But, I figured that this would give me ample time to shop for another 365 day program. 
Thus, I've been walking into Office Depot the past few weeks and checking out their sales on computer security software. I don't know if you have an Office Depot near you, but I have several near me, whether I am in New Jersey or Florida. Right now Norton has a pretty good deal for current users, $10 after rebates.
That's certainly reasonable. However, it's a lot more than that for non-current users.. like me.
Then, I saw one.
It wasn't in Office Depot's weekly color brochure. 
But, there on the shelf was CA's (Computer Associates) "PC Tune-Up Plus 2.0" 
This program not only fights off viruses, spyware and other security challengers, but also updates drivers, defragments your hard drive, optimizes the computer and the internet connection, and repairs the registry. 
Now, here's the best part. It's actually cheaper than free (except tax...no biggie).
Office Depot has it on sale through this Saturday for $29.99. BUT, there's a manufacturer's rebate of $30. The rebate must be postmarked by 4/30/2011. So, for the cost of a stamp, an envelope and tax, you get more than internet security for a year. Hurry up. sale ends Saturday. 
AND make sure you follow through and actually mail in the rebate. That's where they make their money.
It's been shown, that a large percentage of the people out there forget or loose their receipt or rebate. Mail it out right away and make a copy before you ! If you do this, that's what I call a good deal !
---- IMAGE REMOVED because photobucket.com no longer allows embedded images ----
Comments (6)
I almost went Linux years ago.
But, didn't want to risk software incompatability
with those I already own.
The better Anti Virus programs would be eastern European ones, the teams that intercept Virii from Russia and China first geologically.
Two examples would be Kaspersky Internet Security and Eset NOD32/Smart Security, First having HQ in Moscow and second been in Bratislava Slovak Republic, These companies are in the right place to get detections early and swiftly and show in their comparative results as been two of the best out there.
Also, you're not protected against a lot of zero day infections, and need good pro-active heuristic sandbox anti virus features, which most will have now, just look for ones which offer it on active scanning.