Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Unsticking Yourself From Your Security Application

Posted by CmdrTaco on from the i-can't-even-unstick-from-their-spam-lists dept.

Ant writes "In Scott Dunn's Windows Secrets, he describes his informal tests of well-known computer security vendors when it comes to subscriptions and renewals. These days, most antivirus and other security products come with a subscription to update your virus definitions. He also explains ways to opt-out, users' comments, etc. Seen in EGeezer's Broadband/DSL Reports security forum thread. Always read those end user license agreements (EULAs)."

4 of 97 comments (clear)

  1. Re:But why do we need these in the first place? by TheVelvetFlamebait · · Score: 3, Insightful

    It's a fine policy, but let's just say I wouldn't recommend it to my parents...

    --
    You know, there is a difference between trolling and pointing out the flaws in your reasoning. Just saying.
  2. Re:But why do we need these in the first place? by j-pimp · · Score: 3, Insightful

    Nice work staying consistent by installing ZoneAlarm!

    I would think blindly following a "install no security software" rule would be just as bad as blindly running all of it.

    --
    --- Justin Dearing http://www.justaprogrammer.net/ We're just programmers.
  3. As Usual, The Summary doesn't match TFA by rueger · · Score: 4, Insightful
    Having actually read TFA, none of these companies make it that hard to know that your credit card charge is recurring, although two place that information in the EULA.

    I wouldn't consider myself mis-led by any of these products, and actually would have assumed that when I purchase a "subscription" it will be renewed annually using my credit card information.

    Most absurd though was the author's complaint that he wasn't immediately offered an option to suspend the use of his credit card info for renewals, but still have the service remain live.

    After your purchase, you can go to Microsoft's Billing and account management page and sign in with your Windows Live e-mail and password. There, you can click on the service you purchased (Windows Live OneCare) and see links for complete cancellation of the service itself. But nowhere is there information on simply canceling recurring credit-card charges.
    Lord folks, do we really need to go this far to find something to complain about?
    --
    Three Squirrels
  4. Re:But why do we need these in the first place? by goaty_the_flying_sho · · Score: 3, Insightful

    If you need additional software to deny your applications socket connections to the internet, you've got a compromised system on your hands. Running at the software level, these "firewalls" are susceptible to being subverted by the same software you're trying to stop.