Is it just me or are Anti-Virus programs a bit of a scam?

[Judgement101]

So my computer came with an Anti-Virus program. Then, apparently, a subscription ran out for it, now it wants me to put in a code that they literally never gave me.

Has anyone else ever had an issue with an anti-virus program that made you feel like it was a bit of a scam?

 

[Daedalus1942]

So my computer came with an Anti-Virus program. Then, apparently, a subscription ran out for it, now it wants me to put in a code that they literally never gave me.

Has anyone else ever had an issue with an anti-virus program that made you feel like it was a bit of a scam?

Nope, but then again I use decent ones like Symantec Corporate which is the one that companies with huge networks use, so it's pretty damn airtight.
-Tabs<3-

 

[manaman]

What's so complex about that? You had a trial, it ended and now they want you to pay for a code to continue using it. Uninstall it or buy a code and keep it. It's up to you.

 

[TeeBs]

Getting a anti virus program.
Hoping for the best.
Getting a virus the some how got passed.
Fucking pissed now 300$ down the drain.
Fuuck you norton you are to blame.

 

[Daniel_Rosamilia]

Well, I used a few before I stopped using a shitbox Windows one (not being anti-Windows, the thing refused to connect to the Internet at ALL) and went to a Mac, and I haven't used virus protection on this, because no-one can be bothered to code viruses for this thing.

 

[Skuffyshootster]

I use Avast myself, but I'm not happy that they're always bugging you to upgrade to the paid version. The free version works just fine for me.

 

[TheComedown]

Nope, but then again I use decent ones like Symantec Corporate which is the one that companies with huge networks use, so it's pretty damn airtight.
-Tabs<3-

Symantec are the tossers behind norton, just because big companies are stupid enough to use it doesn't make it good, unless you are using the corporate version and the corporate version is vastly different from the virus that is norton its not that great.

OP: Whats so hard to understand? Came with a trial, trail ran out, wants you to buy a key, uninstall it and download AVG or Avira or something. Have a closer read of the pop up messages or whatever they are.

 

[Eri]

Kaspersky is the only one you should pay for.

 

[Discord]

I use Microsoft Security Essentials and Its pretty Good.

But before then I've been useing Norton on my computers since A LONG time; no viruses no problems. But then again for a while I only used my computer for Email, Work and maybe alittle youtubeing thanks to College course work so I guess maybe it was my Norton or maybe it was the fact I never went into anything on the interweb that was too.... "dark"?

 

[Judgement101]

What's so complex about that? You had a trial, it ended and now they want you to pay for a code to continue using it. Uninstall it or buy a code and keep it. It's up to you.

Ummm, no, it was the full version, everything said so. At least the built in windows....thing still works.

 

[SL33TBL1ND]

Getting rid of Mcafee when it came pre-installed on an old box of mine took a long time.

 

[Inconspicuous Trenchcoat]

Prevx is the only anti-virus program I've ever had that took my computer from "crippled by a virus" to "totally back to normal." I highly recommend it, but I'm biased from having that experience.

When I read your thread title, I thought you'd have a compelling argument or some evidence that might point to anti-virus programs being scams. I am dissappoint.

 

[dsmops2003]

Good Ole trialware. uninstall from device manager an download a free one. I use AVG to scan but sandboxing your browser is really the best solution.

 

[Judgement101]

Prevx is the only anti-virus program I've ever had that took my computer from "crippled by a virus" to "totally back to normal." I highly recommend it, but I'm biased from having that experience.

When I read your thread title, I thought you'd have a compelling argument or some evidence that might point to anti-virus programs being scams. I am dissappoint.

Well, what I'm trying to say is that they sold the program as a full subscription then it started asking for a code 1 month later asking for a product key that was never there.

 

[Inconspicuous Trenchcoat]

Prevx is the only anti-virus program I've ever had that took my computer from "crippled by a virus" to "totally back to normal." I highly recommend it, but I'm biased from having that experience.

When I read your thread title, I thought you'd have a compelling argument or some evidence that might point to anti-virus programs being scams. I am dissappoint.

Well, what I'm trying to say is that they sold the program as a full subscription then it started asking for a code 1 month later asking for a product key that was never there.

EDIT: It's asking for a product key that was never there? Yes, that's because they don't give it to you until you renew your subscription. Your computer came with the program installed along with a month-long subscription. It's run out and is asking you for a another product key, meaning you'd have to pay for a subscription to get it. You just got a free trial, basically.

WHAT I TYPED OUT EARLIER: The full subscription probably just means full protection, and not lifetime protection. When I say full protection, I mean you payed for the program to enable all its protection features and update itself. The program should still work with what it has but won't be updated with new definitions unless you renew. Does it not work at all now? I still don't really understand what your problem is, sorry.

 

[Kiju]

I have this theory that the anti-virus companies are the ones producing new viruses.

...it's just a hunch though. After all, if someone catches all the virus-producers, then those companies will be out of a job, won't they?

 

[Simon1]

Kasperky. Fucking thing that wants me to "Update my license"

 

[Suicideking]

Well, I used a few before I stopped using a shitbox Windows one (not being anti-Windows, the thing refused to connect to the Internet at ALL) and went to a Mac, and I haven't used virus protection on this, because no-one can be bothered to code viruses for this thing.

While a virus for Mac is rare, doesn't mean it is non-existent: http://about-threats.trendmicro.com/ArchiveMalware.aspx?language=us&name=OSX_JAHLAV.K