That's my take on it too (Well, similar). The time I would waste messing with security software would be better spent fixing the machine on the off chance that I get it infected. That's quite unlikely, I only use Windows for games. I'm a Linux user predominantly and I don't trust Windows for anything but goofing off. I also might use firefox if I need to check my forums and stuff from Windows. If I need to download something questionable like a "nocd" crack for a game, I'll upload it to jotti for scanning with many antivirus products.
I make a fair bit of money cleaning up stupid Windows computers in my on-site computer business. I did not need to read the article to know that antivirus software is not very good at removing malware. If it was that easy, people wouldn't need my expertise for that. Once some of those trojans are hooked, they can be difficult to remove (it's a feature)
There's also such a thing as using the right tool for the right job. Things like Malwarebytes, Superantispyware and Spybot Search and Destroy are better at removing modern malware than mostly file deleting antivirus software.
To say that Norton is any good at that is a joke. It just refuses to touch anything it can't remove. I remove Symantec shitware on sight. I despise that garbage (even though current versions 2008 and 2009 are much improved at least in the way of not being as crippling, I still don't trust that rubbish on my customers' computers)
I like Avira Antivir (free version) which does a very good job of at least detecting things, Eset Nod32, which is at least light weight and seamless. I like Kaspersky less, but it's also decent protection.
Wait, so how's it "Direct 2 Drive" if it's actually direct-to-CD-then-to-drive, after you wait for something in the mail? WTF?
If you're saying you get that in addition to the downloaded version, fine, though not incredibly appealing -- a CD plus a CD key is far less convenient to me than a download and a password.
No, it's not like that. It was incorrectly stated that it is a "CD Image". What you get from Direct2Drive is the same as what you get when you purchase it on CDs or DVDs, retail style. You get the full deal, with setup program )that lets you choose the install location etc.), in a big zip archive and a product key, or activation code with your purchase. It's available immediately after checkout, but they also email it to you.
Activation is also hassle free. It's either seamless (you're not even aware of it the first time you launch) or in some cases they have a third party activation mechanism where you paste your code in and submit. If it doesn't work, there's usually a local method of doing it.
It is very convenient and hassle free. You can back up the zip file and key/code in any manner of your choosing. It's also available at any time for re-download when you log on to Direct2Drive.
I buy all my games from Direct2Drive. It's not much, if any cheaper than retail for current games, it's the convenience that pleases me. No dealing with slow optical media (install takes just a few minutes) and best of all, no need to look for a "No CD" crack because it will never make you put a DVD in the drive to play it.
They take PayPal too if you want to pay that way.
This is way better than having Steam in your face.
Slashdot Mirror
That's my take on it too (Well, similar). The time I would waste messing with security software would be better spent fixing the machine on the off chance that I get it infected. That's quite unlikely, I only use Windows for games. I'm a Linux user predominantly and I don't trust Windows for anything but goofing off. I also might use firefox if I need to check my forums and stuff from Windows. If I need to download something questionable like a "nocd" crack for a game, I'll upload it to jotti for scanning with many antivirus products.
I make a fair bit of money cleaning up stupid Windows computers in my on-site computer business. I did not need to read the article to know that antivirus software is not very good at removing malware. If it was that easy, people wouldn't need my expertise for that. Once some of those trojans are hooked, they can be difficult to remove (it's a feature)
There's also such a thing as using the right tool for the right job. Things like Malwarebytes, Superantispyware and Spybot Search and Destroy are better at removing modern malware than mostly file deleting antivirus software.
To say that Norton is any good at that is a joke. It just refuses to touch anything it can't remove. I remove Symantec shitware on sight. I despise that garbage (even though current versions 2008 and 2009 are much improved at least in the way of not being as crippling, I still don't trust that rubbish on my customers' computers)
I like Avira Antivir (free version) which does a very good job of at least detecting things, Eset Nod32, which is at least light weight and seamless. I like Kaspersky less, but it's also decent protection.
No, it's not like that. It was incorrectly stated that it is a "CD Image". What you get from Direct2Drive is the same as what you get when you purchase it on CDs or DVDs, retail style. You get the full deal, with setup program )that lets you choose the install location etc.), in a big zip archive and a product key, or activation code with your purchase. It's available immediately after checkout, but they also email it to you.
Activation is also hassle free. It's either seamless (you're not even aware of it the first time you launch) or in some cases they have a third party activation mechanism where you paste your code in and submit. If it doesn't work, there's usually a local method of doing it.
It is very convenient and hassle free. You can back up the zip file and key/code in any manner of your choosing. It's also available at any time for re-download when you log on to Direct2Drive.
I buy all my games from Direct2Drive. It's not much, if any cheaper than retail for current games, it's the convenience that pleases me. No dealing with slow optical media (install takes just a few minutes) and best of all, no need to look for a "No CD" crack because it will never make you put a DVD in the drive to play it.
They take PayPal too if you want to pay that way.
This is way better than having Steam in your face.