Get Panda Internet Security 2009 free

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.

[bryanb867]

Not a bad deal. However, I've used AVG Free for years (probably going on 5 years) and it's just flat out free - no rebates. I've had no problems with it.

[livingaudio]

Rick please do fill us in on the "tricks you've learned":-)

I was using BitDefender and wasnt to happy with it. Now im using AVG and its proven sufficient.
Irecently had a trojan removed and ever since my Windows Automatic Updates has been having issues; as in it doesnt work...curse you trojan!

[skywarp69]

I second that! Rick, please share your secret with all your followers...

[yanksfan2009]

I third that! Enquiring minds want to know.

[GeoSaint4]

I recently stopped using security software also and my computer runs so much better... I'd love to hear about these "tricks" as well!

And for the record - I was using Norton 2009 on a Vista machine and had surprisingly good results (it being low impact), but when I switched to Windows 7 RC, I found that the beta of Norton 2010 just isn't ready... it slowed Gmail down to a crawl!

[jvbo]

Share us your secrets, Rick!!

[rickbroida]

Did no one think to click the link in the very first paragraph?! All secrets revealed there! :)

[xtamtamx]

That's funny because I get the same thing when I tell people I have no anti-virus/spyware/malware software. I tell them if they want their computers to stop getting infected, they need to stop downloading porn. Going on three years since I last formatted and this computer still runs like new.

[geekbully]

I commend you on both accounts. While I don't suggest anyone run a computer without protection software, good, safe usage is the best defense.

[tsinger254]

Okay: since I cannot and will not stop downloading porn, what's plan B?? LOL

[Shanghai Kid]

I'm a teenage boy that regularly downloads and views porn. Since switching from IE6 to Firefox (at least 4 years ago) we have only been infected twice. I don't know where the first infection came from (4 different users) but I think the second infection came from my dad using µTorrent. He doesn't know that an exe file is not a video >_>

I think the more important thing to tell people is to use something other than IE. We used to regularly get infected.

[jfunk101]

Another free one is Cloud Antivirus. You can download it from www.cloudantivirus.com. I've been using it for a while now, and it's pretty much the lightest AV I've ever had.

[Raabscuttle]

I use Avast free edition. I have gotten full copies of MacAfee, Norton, Trend Micro and Bit Defender all for free (from Trade Shows) but still go back to the free stuff (AVG, Avast, and even tried BKAV) asd those "suites" are usually way too bloated, and take up an inordinate amount of system resources. The only reason I use it these days is that here are too many drive by trojans on infected legit websites that get by the firewall. That being said, my personal computers have never, ever been infected since the DOS 3.3 days.

[mhaven98]

It's not free. It's $30. Then you need a mail in rebate which takes forever (if you indeed get the $30 back). So please change the title to say "free after mail in rebate." With my experiences, I refuse to buy anything that has a mail in rebate. Just give me the damn rebate up front!

[bryanb867]

I can't say I never buy anything with a mail-in rebate, but it does make me really think about how much I truly want the product. I've had rebates denied even though I did everything correctly in the announced timeframe (hello.... Kensington!). So, now I just about the product and if I'd pay regular price for it. If so, then I buy it, cross my fingers and if the rebate comes in 8 - 12 weeks later, that's just bonus. So, I never depend on the mail-in rebate to make up my mind.

[xelanmetallium]

Modern malware can be very sneaky. I hope you occasionally do a web based virus scan on your system. These days you don't even have to be doing anything wrong. Compromised web ads, embedded code in image files, or exploits through PDF files can load all kinds of nasty things onto your computer. Running a Windows machine on the web without any anti-virus software (free or otherwise) is like driving without a seat belt - unwise.

[planblove]

I put the free version of AVG on all 3 of my PCs 2 yrs ago and they're all doing great.

[ThatDuckGuy]

I use Eset Smart Security. Not free but definitely worth it.

[a992156]

Not all infections come from porn. Don't forget about opening emails that look safe (maybe from friends,or something you thought you subscribed too) with nasty attachments. And if you're just searching for info about whatever, a completely harmless looking web site/page can get you too.

[megalomac]

Free after rebate is not the same as Free. The title is no more than a bait an switch tactic. Not cool, and no deal.

[vprods]

I tell friends and family that if they want to send me an attachment, the MUST send me an email first telling me that they're going to send it. If I don't get the email...bye bye attachment. A pain i know but it works for me.

[imop45]

Same here-No antivirus. And I occasionally go to iffy sites (not porn sites btw). Windows defender and windows firewal work great. I use Spybot to clean my tracing cookies out, I have IE lockdown like crazy and I use another program (forgot lol!) to run an additional scans. No matter how good the product, it takes a few different scanners to get all of the bad things.

[cdxskier6]

I don't use antivirus spyware software either......but on the other hand a I have a Mac =) I realized it isn't infallible, but so far, it's been smooth sailing.

[wilbur_mcClintoc]

sorry, but Panda is junk... Go google for firewall suite reviews, especially at matousec and you will see that they get the bottom of the heap (2010 version).

I personally use Comodo suite and its fine so far. and free

[lcchancellor]

Rebates are such a pain for the consumer. The vendor knows only a small percent of rebates ever get paid. The 8 weeks is long enough that customers forget to keep track of payment and eventually just forget about it. My experience is about 1 of 5 will be paid in a timely manner. I would prefer a $10 discount compared to a $30 rebate.

[DMBoricua]

Any other good free antivirus program besides AVG Free, Avast! Free and Panda Cloud Antivirus that works for Windows 64-bit?

[badbears]

Hi Rick

Please give us all the requirments to satisfy the rebate. Im tired of these deals where as I have to prove Im using an existing Anit Virus software or even send in the original disc. I use a lot of free antivirus software-- which does not count toward the requirements of the rebates .