The return of free-after-rebates Norton AntiVirus 2008
(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.
Rick Broida, a technology writer for nearly 20 years, is the author of more than a dozen books. In addition to writing CNET's The Cheapskate blog, he oversees BNET's Business Hacks. Rick is a member of the CNET Blog Network and is not an employee of CBS Interactive. Disclosure. Deals found on The Cheapskate are subject to availability, expiration, and other terms determined by sellers. Follow Rick on Twitter at cheapskateblog. 
Symantec has made performance improvements . I run Norton Internet Security 2008 on and old 2002 computer with only 512MB of memory, and have no complaints.
If you don't mind me getting side tracked don't pay the "geek squid" or some other big pc repair hundreds ask around an fine a good tech for cheap. We are out there, cause we like it. Not just to make 65-100 a hour like some. That is just stupid to pay that much.
Also, Norton is the worst when it comes to rebates. They refused two of my last rebates, one because the (Frys) store receipt didn't have the store name legible at the top, and the other on a meaningless technicality. So my "Free" software cost me $70. They've attempted to refuse others, but my photocopy of the UPS codes and coupon proved them wrong. However, they still stalled "6 to 8 weeks" after I had to argue with them until I was blue in the face. I'm going to try AVG instead. Too bad, I've been using Norton products since before Windows existed.
Imagine how smug I feel about owning a Mac & am still Virus & AV free after 10 years of comments like "just wait, you'll be next" from nay-sayers.
Seriously, if you're still using Windows, you are VERY late to the party.
Call me troll, call me zeolot - thats ok, but please check out why we try to tell you guys to switch. ffs, we are trying to help you out - I'm sick of hearing the same painful stories 10 years later.
If they aren't going to follow their own refund policy, they need to give the merchandise back to the buyer. BUY.com is obviously getting some kind of financial benefit from RevolutionCard. At the very least, they should send back the item to me, and not just keep it, re-sell it, and double their profit. As of this writing, there are over 600 consumer complaints logged with the Better Business Bureau regarding Buy.com?s handling of refunds. Buyers beware!
- by axelotle July 12, 2009 9:10 PM PDT
- It seems Norton is one of those AV providers that demands your email address. Would be nice if they made this clear before you buy; I wonder why they only tell you "after" you buy if it is something customers don't mind. I saw a forum where some Norton plant was trying to make a guy look like a lunatic for opposing this practice. Hmmm seems like other AV's don't need it and are getting higher ratings than Norton so what gives?
- Like this Reply to this comment
-
(12 Comments)Norton haters indeed. There is a reason for this. How about a little respect? Was nice knowing you Norton, move over and get out of the way while other smaller, less bloated and less nosy programs get our $$$.