EEK!! 3-User McAfee Internet Security £53.89

[Deleted User]

I've just got an email to say my card's been debited £53.89 for McAfee Internet Security. I'm guessing this is for one year. Initially a bit of shock, but really I don't mind paying this for peace of mind, but thought I'd check with the techies here to see if this is the best security I can get.

I don't want the stress of losing work because of poor security (I'm self-employed). Also, I'm a complete techno-dunce so want to just pay and know that I'm as safe as I can be.

My computer runs Windows XP professional - if that makes a difference (sorry, I really don't know techonology)!

Thanks in advance for any help.

Donnie

Get your money back ASAP.

[Deleted User]

Thanks for the advice Donnie. Can I ask why you suggest that I request a refund immediately? Can I also ask what you would advise as an alternative to McAfee.

Alternatively, can anyone direct me to an explanation elsewhere. I've spent three hours searching MSE this evening and read stuff I'm not sure is relevant (but it might be)! so I'm rather confused.

John_Gray

McAfee imposes a very high memory and CPU load on a PC - fine if you have a powerful CPU and lots of memory, but otherwise otherwise.

Avira AntiVir and Avast are usually suggested for third-party AV (free), and Microsoft Security Essentials (also free) appears also to do a fairly good job, perhaps surprisingly for the cynics among us!

Donnie

Even if you were to keep that load of old rubbish on your computer, it's cheaper even on their website.

I'll leave it to someone else to explain what else you can/should use. I need to sleep.

[Deleted User]

John_Gray wrote: »

McAfee imposes a very high memory and CPU load on a PC - fine if you have a powerful CPU and lots of memory, but otherwise otherwise.

Avira AntiVir and Avast are usually suggested for third-party AV (free), and Microsoft Security Essentials (also free) appears also to do a fairly good job, perhaps surprisingly for the cynics among us!

OK so I understand that McAfee is pants because of the memory it requires... that would explain the go-slow on this computer.

Sorry for next dumb questions:
where can I safely download Avira AntiVir from?
how do I remove McAfee from my computer to release some of this memory?
how can I ensure that my computer is protected over time? Is is simply that I log into MSE and try and learn a bit more over time and read what other's are suggesting.

I will try and learn more, this lack of knowledge about the AV is really not good.

Thanks again for speedy and useful help.

[Deleted User]

OK... if I go for Avira Antivirus is the free personal version enough considering I'm higher risk with a hotmail email and using Facebook (rarely... but need if for OU course forum).

Or would the ideal be to pay for the Premium version?

Thanks for your patience - I can feel the wave from the raised eyebrows from here already

gaming_guy

....................

macman

Since you've at some point agreed (probably by default) to McAffee auto-renewing your existing sub, I don't think you're going to get that refunded very easily. Unless you cancel that auto-renewal it will do the same again in a year, regardless of whether you uninstall McCrappy or not.

Donnie

macman wrote: »

Since you've at some point agreed (probably by default) to McAffee auto-renewing your existing sub, I don't think you're going to get that refunded very easily. Unless you cancel that auto-renewal it will do the same again in a year, regardless of whether you uninstall McCrappy or not.

Actually, that isn't the case: http://service.mcafee.com/FAQDocument.aspx?id=CS40021&lc=1033

I would get on to them and demand a refund.

Coopdivi

Keep the McAfee AV for this year because you've already paid for it and, as Macman has pointed out, they're very unlikely to refund you. Then next year after you've cancelled it, get either Avast AV or Microsoft Security Essentials.

Avira doesn't scan e-mails.

It's worth your while getting Malwarebytes now if you haven't already got it. It's free, highly recommended on MSE and will often find nasties which Anti Viruses miss.

http://majorgeeks.com/download.php?det=5756

You just need to remember to press the update button on it each time you want run a scan. A quick scan takes about 6 minutes.