AOL AVS - Looks like AOL isn't leaving us totally high and dry...

[SunnyD]

AVS subscribers should have received an email within the last few days from AOL -

Special Offer! Upgrade to Kaspersky Internet Security 7.0 and and Receive an Exclusive Discount!
Did you know that Active Virus Shield is Kaspersky technology? You can continue using Kaspersky technology at nearly a 40% discount when you upgrade to the new Kaspersky Internet Security 7.0. This premium solution from Kaspersky Lab offers award-winning anti-virus and anti-spyware detection rates, complete spam protection, an integrated firewall, privacy and parental controls, and much more. This offer is only available to Active Virus Shield users.

Now 40% off isn't as good as Free after Rebate which is often found in hot deals, but at least AOL is recognizing Kaspersy here.

There is a link in the email, but it looks like a special referral based on your AVS account, so I'm not linking it.

 

[Nocturnal]

I just signed up for the 3 year deal @ $99.00. That is killer man. It is totally worth it IMHO! Better than dealing with rebates.

 

[Thump553]

Maybe I'm cynical, but that three year deal seemed like profiteering to me. I'm sure AOL will make a substantial amount of money from those subscriptions.

Anyone have any idea how much longer we have?

Also, my internet providor gives McAfee (full suite) for free. Is that an acceptable substitute?

 

[mechBgon]

Originally posted by: Nocturnal
I just signed up for the 3 year deal @ $99.00. That is killer man. It is totally worth it IMHO! Better than dealing with rebates.

For US residents, Frys.com has a 3-pack of KAV7 for even less, and one could use all three years' licenses on one PC if desired.

Also, my internet providor gives McAfee (full suite) for free. Is that an acceptable substitute?

Their signature-based detection is not too great. If that's what you go with, consider augmenting it with these strategies.

 

[Tip3r]

I've only been using it for 4 month(

what would the best free replacement be? Avira? any major drawback?

 

[mechBgon]

Originally posted by: Tip3r
I've only been using it for 4 month(

what would the best free replacement be? Avira? any major drawback?

Avira (AntiVir) has good detection rates, especially if you enable Expert mode and max out all the options. Downsides of the free version include:

• it doesn't scan email or HTTP traffic on-the-fly, just when stuff hits the hard drive or gets executed
  
• it cannot be set to kill threats automatically when the real-time scanner detects stuff that needs killing; you have to answer prompts, which leaves room for human error
  
• updates can be slow
  
• it doesn't detect stuff that they regard as being spyware/adware

They only charge $27/year for the Premium version, so that is still a good buy and rectifies all the above shortcomings. Or watch for a free-after-rebate deal on Kaspersky if you like it overall.

 

[Nocturnal]

Originally posted by: mechBgon

Originally posted by: Nocturnal
I just signed up for the 3 year deal @ $99.00. That is killer man. It is totally worth it IMHO! Better than dealing with rebates.

For US residents, Frys.com has a 3-pack of KAV7 for even less, and one could use all three years' licenses on one PC if desired.

3 users per KIS license not 3-years worth of one license for three users.

If you pay $79.99 you get KIS which can be installed onto three computers for one year. After that you need to renew for the extra two years at I don't know how much.

For $99.00 you get 3-user KIS and a license good for THREE YEARS. I think that deal is better.

Unless you have a different deal I don't see how the Frys.com is any better.

Mech, I have confirmed that I think you're mixed up. If you buy the 3-user KIS you do not get 3 years. It is 1 years worth of service/licensing. If you buy the $99 from the AVS special, you get 3-years worth of service which would end in 2010 and the ability to install KIS onto three different computers.

 

[mechBgon]

Ohhh, I get it That is definitely a Hot Deal then! I didn't realize the AOL deal was 3-user.