The Cheapskate

Panda Internet Security is vastly improved over last year's edition--and it's free!

(Credit: Newegg)

People routinely look at me as if I'm nuts. Oh, wait, there's a second part to that sentence: People routinely look at me as if I'm nuts when I tell them I don't use any security software: no Zone Alarm, no Norton, nothing.

Instead, I rely on the security measures built into Windows and a few tricks I've learned. So far, it works fine for me.

That said, I usually advise friends and family members to install some kind of comprehensive security package. Because I consider all of you to be like family (yes, even you raving crackpots), here's a deal: Newegg has the Panda Internet Security 2009 3-user edition for free.

Well, OK, free after rebate (PDF). You have to part with $30 now, but you'll get it back in 8 to 12 weeks. (That's just my guess--the rebate form doesn't actually say.)

So, how does Panda Internet Security 2009 compare with Norton Internet Security 2009, which has been widely praised for being faster, smaller, and better than ever?

According to CNET's Robert Vamosi, Panda is "vastly improved in speed and effectiveness over last year's version." The downside: mediocre tech support.

Still, it's hard to argue with free. So if you're in the market for a security suite, but want something a little more professional than the various freebie utilities out there, this Newegg deal might be for you.

Get this 3-user security suite free after rebate.

(Credit: Newegg)

Security software: necessary evil or just evil? I tend to think it's the latter, though many would argue it's very necessary and not evil at all. If you fall into that camp (or know a tech doofus who does), check out this deal from Newegg: Panda Internet Security 2008 (3-user edition) shipped to your door for zero dollars. Well, actually, for $40, but you get it back in rebate form.

The Panda package bills itself as a "total security solution," offering anti-virus, anti-spyware, anti-phishing, anti-spam, and possibly anti-matter and anti-depressants (checking on those). It also offers rootkit protection, a two-way firewall, parental controls, and loads of other false-hope--er, safety--features.

CNET hasn't reviewed the suite, but four users spoke up about it on the product page. As with most security suites, some loved it, others hated it. If you don't mind waiting to get your money back and do want hardcore protection against the horrors of the Internet, you can't beat free. The rebate deal [PDF] expires Aug. 16.

(Credit: Microsoft)

Sure, you can safeguard your PC with various freeware security apps, but there's something to be said for having a single program that protects you from viruses, spyware, phishing, hackers, and so on. Microsoft's Windows Live OneCare 2.0 is such a program, and Amazon has it on sale for $30--minus a $30 mail-in rebate. Shipping is free, bringing the grand total to zero dollars.

Windows Live OneCare 2.0 (wow, what an embarrassingly bad name) combines real-time anti-virus, anti-spyware, and anti-phishing tools with a managed firewall, a data backup utility, and system optimization. You can protect up to three PCs (Windows XP and Vista only) and get unlimited tech support via phone, e-mail, or chat. (That's arguably the key reason to choose a commercial security suite over a batch of freebies, which tend to come with little or no support.)

Renewing your OneCare subscription will run you $50 annually, so what you're really getting here is the first year free. I'm disappointed that the backup utility doesn't include an online option (why not link OneCare with Windows Live SkyDrive, Microsoft?), but otherwise this is a solid, extremely user-friendly security suite. (I'm basing that on a review of the 1.0 version I did many moons ago.)

The rebate deal is good until June 21, so you've got time to weigh the pros and cons. In fact, you can download the 90-day trial version if you want to take OneCare for a spin before ordering.

(via jkOnTheRun)

(Credit: Symantec)

Who says there are no second chances? (Maybe Patriots fans, I dunno.) If you missed out when Fry's offered Norton AntiVirus 2008 free after a pair of mail-in rebates, the deal has returned at Buy.com.

Once again, it's the three-user edition, meaning you can install it on up to three PCs. The software protects against viruses, spyware, rootkits, and the like. CNET liked it, though readers definitely did not. As I said last time, if you're unhappy with the software yourself, you're only out a couple stamps.

Speaking of the rebates, this deal requires a pair: one for $34 on the software itself, the other a $20 competitive rebate. That means you need to provide proof of purchase/ownership for just about any other software utility (get the full deets here). The first rebate offer expires February 9, so you've got the week to pull the trigger. Shipping costs--nada.

(Credit: Symantec)

I have a confession: I've been running my Windows XP system sans anti-virus software for many months. Crazy? Perhaps, but I consider spyware a much bigger threat these days, and I'm well-protected against it. I also detest the wallet-draining performance anchor that is anti-virus software.

How's that for a rousing recommendation of Norton AntiVirus 2008! Today only, you can get it from Fry's for $0 after a $50 mail-in rebate. This is the 3-user edition, meaning you can install it on up to three PCs, and it also includes anti-spyware protection and rootkit detection. Plus, Symantec promises much faster scanning and operation in this version, though I have my doubts. Of course, it's free, so if it bogs down your system, you can always uninstall it, no harm done.

Norton AntiVirus 2008 requires Windows XP or Vista. Frys.com requires blinders: It has to be the ugliest online store I've ever seen.