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The Tech-pert: Get Norton Internet Security 2011 for Free!
By Rick.BroidaGuest Blogger(view all posts by Rick.Broida)
at 9:55AM Tuesday August 16, 2011
under
Spotlight Deals
If you've used any Norton security products in the past, you probably took one look at that headline and said, "Ugh. No way. Never again."
And I wouldn't blame you. A few years back, the Norton stuff was bloated, buggy, intrusive, annoying, and likely to make your PC run like molasses.
That was then. In recent years, Symantec has made considerable improvements to its security software. It's faster, quieter, and smarter, to the point where you barely know it's there--unless it detects a problem.
In fact, renowned tech journalist Ed Bott recently cited Norton Internet Security 2011 as the "best Windows security software." And PC Magazine awarded the program its coveted Editors' Choice. So I think it's safe to say this is not the same horrendous performance-hog you remember.
And that makes this deal even sweeter: Newegg has Norton Internet Security 2011 for $40 shipped, minus a $40 mail-in rebate--bringing your grand total down to $0. (Note: the rebate comes in the form of a Visa debit card, which is as good as cash.)
This is actually a three-user license, meaning you can use the software on three different PCs. However, keep in mind that those licenses expire after one year, after which you'll need to renew your Norton "subscription." (No problem: as you get close to the expiration date, start shopping for another free-after-rebate deal.)
Norton Internet Security 2011 is a comprehensive, soup-to-nuts security package. In addition to all the usual protections against viruses, spyware, phishing, and other threats, it provides a robust firewall, a password/online-identity manager, parental controls, and spam filters.
Even better, as Bott reports, it offers solid protection against social engineering attacks, which are rampant and hard to combat.
Thus, much as I'm a fan of freeware security tools like Microsoft Security Essentials, I think the smarter choice is a paid, commercial product like Norton--especially when you can get it for free.
The question is, if you've had bad experiences with Norton in the past, are you willing to give it another chance? Let's hear your thoughts in the comments.
And I wouldn't blame you. A few years back, the Norton stuff was bloated, buggy, intrusive, annoying, and likely to make your PC run like molasses.
That was then. In recent years, Symantec has made considerable improvements to its security software. It's faster, quieter, and smarter, to the point where you barely know it's there--unless it detects a problem.
In fact, renowned tech journalist Ed Bott recently cited Norton Internet Security 2011 as the "best Windows security software." And PC Magazine awarded the program its coveted Editors' Choice. So I think it's safe to say this is not the same horrendous performance-hog you remember.
And that makes this deal even sweeter: Newegg has Norton Internet Security 2011 for $40 shipped, minus a $40 mail-in rebate--bringing your grand total down to $0. (Note: the rebate comes in the form of a Visa debit card, which is as good as cash.)
This is actually a three-user license, meaning you can use the software on three different PCs. However, keep in mind that those licenses expire after one year, after which you'll need to renew your Norton "subscription." (No problem: as you get close to the expiration date, start shopping for another free-after-rebate deal.)
Norton Internet Security 2011 is a comprehensive, soup-to-nuts security package. In addition to all the usual protections against viruses, spyware, phishing, and other threats, it provides a robust firewall, a password/online-identity manager, parental controls, and spam filters.
Even better, as Bott reports, it offers solid protection against social engineering attacks, which are rampant and hard to combat.
Thus, much as I'm a fan of freeware security tools like Microsoft Security Essentials, I think the smarter choice is a paid, commercial product like Norton--especially when you can get it for free.
The question is, if you've had bad experiences with Norton in the past, are you willing to give it another chance? Let's hear your thoughts in the comments.
Self-proclaimed cheapskate Rick Broida has been a technology writer for over 20 years. He has authored over a dozen books, including, most recently, "How to Do Everything: Palm Pre." Currently he writes the Cheapskate blog.
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This is killer. I love when they offer it for Free because while it's a great service, I don't like paying full price for anything, even the necessities. Great deal!
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Recent good experiences with Norton have made me forget the bug filled nightmares of the past. I actually just dumped McAfee in favor of a return to Norton. Glad to see this is available basically for free.
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This is a great deal and I'm very happy to finally put that constant renewal pop-up to rest!
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No thanks. Have hated Norton for more than a couple of years. They have used virus tecniquies to bury their code on your system making it nearly impossible to uninstall. They stole code components from other companies. My current setup is free and effective. Norton could not pay me to use their software.
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@SimplyNotSureRU I can't agree with some of your claims, but if you have a security setup that's working for you, by all means stick with it. I've had good luck with freebie tools as well.
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Eh, I've had a bad enough experience with Norton that I'm going to stick with MSE, regardless of whether or not Norton's free. MSE has done an admirable job in the two years I've been using it, so I don't see any reason to switch now.
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I'm glad I have a Mac so I don't need Norton antivirus. : )
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I have AVG until next year. Sad we even have to have these programs to protect ourselves.
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I can't find the free download for Norton. Why can't you even put a LiNK??? (maybe it's a SCAM!) Thank You!
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http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as…
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