Is Dell's McAfee Security Center discount worth it?

I've stayed away from McAfee and Norton for years, so I don't even know what an annual subscription to their virus definitions even costs anymore, BUT Dell's pushing a 1-year subscription McAfee subscription for $79, and 3-years for $99. Comparing the two makes the 3-year subscription look like a pretty good deal. Is it? Cnet seemed to like this latest release, but I don't know how much stock to put in that.

Is $99 for 3 years a good deal, and is McAfee Security Center even any good? Could I get a comparable deal buying/upgrading the subscription after purchasing the computer, or is getting it pre-installed on the Dell pretty much the only way to get it at that price?

 

No, stick with the free alternatives.

 

In that case, what do you recommend? I haven't had the best experience with AVG. Thanks for your advice!

 

I'm with atbnet! GO with the free ones!

I use Avira..that was recommended by *cough* ^^^a very smart person!

And, Avira is just awesome. Protects my computer better than that TrendMicro junk Dell sent with my 1530~!


Cin

 

Awesome, thanks Cin!

 

No problem!

Oh, and check out this thread:

Best Free Software for Windows:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=206289

and this one:
The best free antivirus/firewall/antispyware programs:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=190538

Lots of good link's to freebies in there!

Cin

 

I would go with Avira or AVG. Avira is a bit better in my opinion. If you want a firewall I would suggest Comodo.

 

newegg had NOD32 for $10... it's better then AVG and worth the $10. the footprint is small so it's quick and doesn't take much resources.

 

Also, if your a student, check with your university. Many have agreements with a anti-virus to have licenses for all students/faculty. Also check your ISP, I know comcast offers McAfee free with service. Nod32 is good too

 

I recently ordered a Dell Studio 15 and was charged an additional $79.00 for a McAfee subscription with automatic renewal.
I called before the order had shipped, however, Dell would not remove the software or credit my account for the software I did not order.
I now have the Laptop (which works great) and the McAfee is preinstalled - not activated or registered - do I have any recourse?

Thanks

 

Was there a $0 alternative to the option you ended up paying for, and did you select that alternative? If so, I should think you have all the recourse in the world, depending on how far you're willing to take it.

If it's within 21 days, I would suggest you start by contacting Dell and letting them know if they won't credit your account for their mistake and figure out a way to cancel your subscription, then you're prepared to request a return authorization for the entire system on the basis that it was not built to your specifications (which it wasn't).

If that doesn't get you anywhere, I would suggest actually requesting a return authorization and returning the system. Let them refund the entire purchase price so that you can order a new system configured as you specify. You'll be out a computer, but you shouldn't be forced to pay for something you didn't buy. I can't guarantee that will compel them to do the right thing, but it's got to be worth a shot.

 

Definintely go with the free ones!

I have been using Avg on all of my systems, since installing I haven't had a single issue with any of them - very impressed

I definitely wouldn't pay for McAfee's protection, not after the last time I bought one of their products.

Using a freshly re-installed OS, I installed the complete system protetion and all the proper updates for it - yet the system was bricked by a virus in under 5 minutes of just browsing the net, I was shocked! Nearly had a fit of laughter, well I would have if I hadn't been so pissed about having to do another wipe of the hard-drive.

Returned it for a refund the next day.

 

Note - I had to delete a post in this thread that promoted fraudulent action. Keep everything legal in here, thank you.