I Just Gave Up With Norton

antspants · Apr 22, 2024

Hazel123 said:
I’m still using it and never had an issue. Once you turn off snnoying reminders.

Must be plenty of people using their products or they’d go bust.

Scannerman · Apr 22, 2024

Kaspersky has a new package deal out now that provides VPN, extensive firewall, backup software, malware scanner, VS, child protection monitor, pw protection and much, much more. The package license is good over 10 devices and it is called Kaspersky Premium.

antspants · Apr 22, 2024

Scannerman said:
Kaspersky has a new package deal out now that provides VPN, extensive firewall, backup software, malware scanner, VS, child protection monitor, pw protection and much, much more. The package license is good over 10 devices and it is called Kaspersky Premium.

Been out for ages, I bought nearly 10 years worth of licenses for under AU$100

antspants said:
As this is a “deliver by email” purchase, I can’t see why you couldn’t get it from Australia?
I simply boughh a bunch and they are lined up pre entered into Kaspersky and will activate as the previous expires. This is where I buy it.

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We provide wide range of products in Kaspersky and Anti-Virus 's Product at low rates. For enquires contact us at sales@saveonit.com.au. We would contact back you shortly.

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antspants said:
I use kaspersky. One of the things I like about Kaspersky is that I can buy, for example, 4 separate keys, add them to the software and they will be used in succession as the prior license expires. Currently I believe I have a license for Antivirus/Firewall and VPN for the next 10 years for all my PC.s (according to the license’s I bought 1 year Protection for 5 devices) @ a cost all up of about AU$80. US$51.00 (due to a deal they had running on the site)

hdmi · Apr 22, 2024

antspants said:
from Australia

Scannerman · Apr 22, 2024

antspants said:
Been out for ages, I bought nearly 10 years worth of licenses for under AU$100

I used to use Kaspersky Total Care but they discontinued it. Kaspersky Premium (the new version) was just recently released in Canada. Before that if you wanted the full meal deal you had to get Total Care.

antspants · Apr 22, 2024

Scannerman said:
I used to use Kaspersky Total Care but they discontinued it. Kaspersky Premium (the new version) was just recently released in Canada. Before that if you wanted the full meal deal you had to get Total Care.

I think I must of gotten my keys in about Feb last year, as the new key was automatically activated in Feb. I really like it. The warning/help assist popups can be a little annoying but you can carefully change the settings for those. I think they released it in Jan 2023.
The VPN works really well, quite fast, depending on what country you want to be on any particular day. Yesterday, I was Russian lol

monkeylove · Apr 22, 2024

Using paid security programs can be expensive, with hidden costs coming out when promo periods end, the cost of protecting many devices in the household even with volume sales, etc.

Thus, if you're a budget, you can consider the ff.

Consider the low ratings for Microsoft Defender plus the impact on system performance. Given that and if you choose free versions, you can probably choose from Avast and Kaspersky. Free versions of other software lack features like ransomware remediation, web protection, etc.

Avast is for me the heavier of the two. You can check yourself by doing tests like NovaBench free, browsing folders with different content, etc. However, Avast is the most complete, e.g., with a firewall that I think has application control.

Meanwhile, you can use Kaspersky with free software like Malwarebytes Firewall Control.

OTOH, you might not need a firewall other than what's built-in as more security programs focus on watching network traffic.

With that, you can use Avast free (not Avast One) and don't install all of the modules. Get "do not disturb" though and turn that on plus disable various notifications so that you don't see a lot of popups. You can also block the AvastUI.exe file only in the Windows firewall so that internal ads don't show up.

If you choose Kaspersky, you can turn off as many unnecessary notifications as you can both in the app and in the web portal, but expect popups once a month or so inviting you to upgrade, etc.

If you want to avoid popups as much as possible, use a set-and-forgot app, and don't mind the absence of ransomware remediation, then try Bitdefender free. It might be heavier, though.

If you don't mind lack of web protection, i.e., you don't need heuristics check and just use a browser security add-on, then you can probably consider Avira, which is probably the lightest of all. For the addon, you can choose the security addon from Avira, too, or something like those from Bitdefender (Trafficlight), Malwarebytes, Emsisoft, etc. They're all free.

Finally, you can add free addons like uBlock Origin to block ads and even some ways by which malware can reach you via websites, etc. Try them in default mode and then tweak if needed to block more web annoyances, etc.

idgat · Apr 23, 2024

Hazel123 said:
I’m still using it and never had an issue. Once you turn off annoying reminders.

But that should be one of the normal functions of anti-malware software ... blocking annoying popups. How you can defend an option that propagates this anomaly is mystifying.

My greatest concern with Norton is the predatory marketing tactics it uses, like default auto annual renewal without reference to the user. Not sure whether this practice is international but here in AUS, when you buy Norton online directly and install, your payment details are retained and auto annual renewal is in effect. The even worse aspect is that even if you buy the program indirectly (download or disc) and have already paid a 3rd party for the program, Norton still require a credit card number before installation can proceed >> card saved, auto renewal on. A trap for the unsuspecting.

And then there are those of us who remember the days Norton's predecessor, Symantec ... never to be forgiven!!!

antspants · Apr 23, 2024

monkeylove said:
If you choose Kaspersky, you can turn off as many unnecessary notifications as you can both in the app and in the web portal, but expect popups once a month or so inviting you to upgrade, etc.

Why would Kaspersky ask you to upgrade if you’ve got a license? I am not sure there is a Kaspersky free edition, there is a free 30 day trial though. However I could be wrong.

It doesn’t have to be expensive at all. One just needs to look around. Like I’ve mentioned already, I bought a bunch of Kaspersky premium licences/keys when there was a special on and I have nearly 10 years worth of keys that activate one after another, that I got for next to nothing. All legit, all for 5 devices

idgat · Apr 23, 2024

monkeylove said:
If you choose Kaspersky, you can turn off as many unnecessary notifications as you can both in the app and in the web portal, but expect popups once a month or so inviting you to upgrade, etc.

Have the big K on multiple home devices and elsewhere, various devices, various versions (at various stages of currency), but have never experienced this popup phenomenon (apart from the last week or so near expiry to remind to renew, nothing about "updating")

The free version? Well, utilitor emptor. You get what you pay for.

Scannerman · Apr 23, 2024

antspants said:
I think I must of gotten my keys in about Feb last year, as the new key was automatically activated in Feb. I really like it. The warning/help assist popups can be a little annoying but you can carefully change the settings for those. I think they released it in Jan 2023.
The VPN works really well, quite fast, depending on what country you want to be on any particular day. Yesterday, I was Russian lol

I think we're on the same page with the new version. The popups are a little more regular now but at least they give me real relevant information. They're not badgering me for more money and yes, the settings can be used to change this. Kaspersky also asks for input on how to make their product better. I like their approach. I've also had to call them a couple of times on some particularly challenging details to make their software work on much older hardware. They were particularly helpful, pleasant, courteous, and, more importantly, they spoke plain, comprehensible English. All this at no extra charge.

The VPN on the older version was pretty good too but I agree that this new one does seem to work even better. I'm still in the process of wading through TBs of data to downsize and clean up so I haven't tried their new backup software yet. It'll be a while before I deal with that end of things. I was surprised to learn that they provide software for both hardware and soft firewalls. That is the one thing about Kaspersky: The more you dig the more you will discover. Sadly, you may need to dig down 5 or 6 tiers before you can find it. I've mentioned this to them a couple of times. I think it would be handy to have a control panel much like Windows provides that features most of the options all at once on a single page/window. Apart from Kaspersky not being the most user friendly security software I would venture that they're likely one of the best, if not thee best, available on the domestic end user market. I kinda like the idea that we all get to be Russian with Kaspersky

. The scammers sure hate it.

antspants · Apr 23, 2024

Amen to all of that, @Scannerman
First thing I do when I get something new is check out every setting, as deep as I have to go.
They are very plesent to communicate with, I also found them very agreeable, apologetic and helpful.

I haven’t tried the backup either mate, I’m still not a fan of cloud backups.
There is a password manager also, but I think it is also cloud based so that’s a no from me.

Overall, I am a fan.

monkeylove · Apr 23, 2024

antspants said:
Why would Kaspersky ask you to upgrade if you’ve got a license? I am not sure there is a Kaspersky free edition, there is a free 30 day trial though. However I could be wrong.

It doesn’t have to be expensive at all. One just needs to look around. Like I’ve mentioned already, I bought a bunch of Kaspersky premium licences/keys when there was a special on and I have nearly 10 years worth of keys that activate one after another, that I got for next to nothing. All legit, all for 5 devices

There's a free version, but you'll only find it via Google, etc.

Download Kaspersky Free Antivirus Software | Kaspersky

Download Antivirus software from Kaspersky for free. This advanced cloud antivirus with several smart security features designed to make your life better and more secure. Compatible with PC, Mac, iPhone & iPad, and Android devices

usa.kaspersky.com

Popups still show up around once a month, asking you if you'd like to upgrade this or that to avail of better security.

Thanks for mentioning about looking around. I did that once for Office 365, but I couldn't find similar for Kasperky in the same store (something like buying a new hard drive every two years for a few devices). I'll have to look elsewhere.

monkeylove · Apr 23, 2024

idgat said:
Have the big K on multiple home devices and elsewhere, various devices, various versions (at various stages of currency), but have never experienced this popup phenomenon (apart from the last week or so near expiry to remind to renew, nothing about "updating")

The free version? Well, utilitor emptor. You get what you pay for.

In this case, payment's personal data monetized. Meanwhile, I think the same applies to the built-in security program for Windows, if not the OS itself, while all security programs have to be intrusive in order to work.

monkeylove · Apr 23, 2024

Scannerman said:
I think we're on the same page with the new version. The popups are a little more regular now but at least they give me real relevant information. They're not badgering me for more money and yes, the settings can be used to change this. Kaspersky also asks for input on how to make their product better. I like their approach. I've also had to call them a couple of times on some particularly challenging details to make their software work on much older hardware. They were particularly helpful, pleasant, courteous, and, more importantly, they spoke plain, comprehensible English. All this at no extra charge.

The VPN on the older version was pretty good too but I agree that this new one does seem to work even better. I'm still in the process of wading through TBs of data to downsize and clean up so I haven't tried their new backup software yet. It'll be a while before I deal with that end of things. I was surprised to learn that they provide software for both hardware and soft firewalls. That is the one thing about Kaspersky: The more you dig the more you will discover. Sadly, you may need to dig down 5 or 6 tiers before you can find it. I've mentioned this to them a couple of times. I think it would be handy to have a control panel much like Windows provides that features most of the options all at once on a single page/window. Apart from Kaspersky not being the most user friendly security software I would venture that they're likely one of the best, if not thee best, available on the domestic end user market. I kinda like the idea that we all get to be Russian with Kaspersky . The scammers sure hate it.

An example of a popup's here:

Annoying popup Security Cloud Free, "upgrade package" [moved]

Recently I’ve noticed this annoying pop-up from Kaspersky Security Cloud Free:Theres no way to exit, you have to click one of the buttons and go through a process to exit it.This is not at all user friendly, I’d argue this advertising tactic is even worse than recieving multiple popups from Avast...

forum.kaspersky.com

and they still show up even with all notifications referring to promos disabled, even in the web portal.

To decline, you have to choose "how it works".

According to their support, they can't be disabled:

How to disable promotional messages in Kaspersky applications

Overview of settings and features available in a Kaspersky application and guides on how to use them.

support.kaspersky.com

Lastly, about the Russians, I also heard about "eyes" nations. In light of that, I remember one article stating that the safest products in light of privacy are Avira and Emsisoft (as seen in their privacy policies). Unfortunately, according to various tests they don't do that well in terms of protection.

antspants · Apr 23, 2024

monkeylove said:
There's a free version, but you'll only find it via Google, etc.

Download Kaspersky Free Antivirus Software | Kaspersky

Download Antivirus software from Kaspersky for free. This advanced cloud antivirus with several smart security features designed to make your life better and more secure. Compatible with PC, Mac, iPhone & iPad, and Android devices

usa.kaspersky.com

Popups still show up around once a month, asking you if you'd like to upgrade this or that to avail of better security.

Thanks for mentioning about looking around. I did that once for Office 365, but I couldn't find similar for Kasperky in the same store (something like buying a new hard drive every two years for a few devices). I'll have to look elsewhere.

As it’s a digital license, I don’t see why you couldn’t buy it from Australia, where I get mine? Also, Aussie dollar is around 0.65 to the American dollar.

Maybe best to check if it’s the same for AU and US
But if I buy any kind of key from OS, keys have always worked.

Buy Kaspersky and Anti-Virus 's Product - SaveOnIT.com.au

We provide wide range of products in Kaspersky and Anti-Virus 's Product at low rates. For enquires contact us at sales@saveonit.com.au. We would contact back you shortly.

www.saveonit.com.au

antspants · Apr 23, 2024

Just to mention, if it doesn’t say “Free Shipping!” Next to Add To Cart, I believe it isn’t available.

hdmi · Apr 24, 2024

Don't they have a name for those who want to pay to receive popups? I can't remember the name right now. Lemme think real hard. Popups can be had for free by installing a virus. OK.. I think I remember the name now. It's Sado Masochism.

Scannerman · Apr 25, 2024

hdmi said:
Don't they have a name for those who want to pay to receive popups? I can't remember the name right now. Lemme think real hard. Popups can be had for free by installing a virus. OK.. I think I remember the name now. It's Sado Masochism.

Gotta give credit where credit is due. Microsoft invented Popups.

monkeylove · Apr 25, 2024

antspants said:
As it’s a digital license, I don’t see why you couldn’t buy it from Australia, where I get mine? Also, Aussie dollar is around 0.65 to the American dollar.

Maybe best to check if it’s the same for AU and US
But if I buy any kind of key from OS, keys have always worked.

Buy Kaspersky and Anti-Virus 's Product - SaveOnIT.com.au

We provide wide range of products in Kaspersky and Anti-Virus 's Product at low rates. For enquires contact us at sales@saveonit.com.au. We would contact back you shortly.

www.saveonit.com.au

Thanks. I got Office 365 Pro for one user, unli devices, lifetime use, for the equivalent of AU$50. I also bought Windows 11 Pro for the same price.

For Kaspersky, I saw Premium in the store you shared for AU$20, three devices, one year. Is the rate still the same the following year?