Advice on software downloads: (practical experience after thousands of downloads)
Remove
older versions- prior to install:
If you are installing a new Internet Security (anti virus, firewall, etc.) package from a different vendor > Un-install
the trail ware or license first prior to installing your
new downloaded subscription.
Be sure to re-boot your system when you are satisfied the
previous software is un-installed When download is complete,
re-boot your system and check for the new program in your
Programs listing.
New versions: Upgrades- renewals of application software. These programs will be looking for your original license or installed programs. Be prepared to share licensing info. Some will require you to confirm your license info by mail or return of original CD(s) to qualify for your rebate.
Software
Downloads
Software downloads now represent over 50% on all commercial
software sold, world-wide.
The technology has improved dramatically over the past few years
to allow for secure and fast downloads of single and multi-users
packages. Original software and their updates are verified for
direct licence authentication and order to provide on-line support.
New
Systems: Most new systems come with a limited use
programs. These licenses qualify you for renewal & competitive
change-over pricing. Take advantage of the special discounts
available through our site, which are not available with standard
renewals. If you are not happy with the programs that came
with your system, the licence information can be used for competitive
changeovers. Even if the your current licence has expired
this information will normally qualify you for mail-in rebates
to save you even more money. This information is usually located
under the "HELP> About" button in your existing
program (licence #, version, etc.)
Double
mail-in rebates
Be aware that many nationally advertised retail promotions result
in receiving only one rebate. This has occurred to us when we have
mailed in both the receipt and cut off UPS code. The problem is
the UPS code has to be the original and there is only one on the
box.
Mail Order & retail web sites
Be very careful of mail order scams that hold on to your funds
for a prolonged periods of time, as in "more than
one week" without delivering. Most times they do
not have any stock, just a web site & an 800 number.
Discontinued or older version software packages
We do not see the advantage to paying more for a plastic CD,
cardboard box & out-of-date manuals. Software downloads include the latest
release & documentation you can view and follow easily on your
computer. In addition, having a disk delivered by courier is about
the most environmentally- unfriendly thing to do.
Limited use- Trials- Freeware- Shareware
Most shareware or freeware for security applications have very
limited functionality in the hope the you will purchase the full
licence. They create a false sense of security and are next to
impossible to remove from your computer.
Programs like SpySherif and Virusburst actually pour huge amounts
of malware on to your system without your permission, steal control
of your browser and pollute your computer registry. It seems very
sad that these people have nothing better to do with their time
than ruin someone else computing enjoyment.
Copied or cracked software
Smart technology limits the use of software licence's
to install more copies than you purchase. Should original software
be passed around, the imbedded serial number is used to track
how many patches, upgrades and virus-intruder definitions you
can receive. If you use a copied or cracked version of a security
software program expect erratic behavior. For example, anti
virus updates only work once per licence. So by sharing, you
are compromising your own security. In comparison to the hundreds
or thousands of dollars and time you have invested in your systems,
we strongly suggest you do not compromise your security & privacy
to save a few dollars. |
