Hi Dottie,

You're right,it is an attractive offer.
One that is now offered routinely by ISPs.
It's an incentive to stay with the ISP (or could be).
It's also a certain amount of self-interest.
If too many of their customers unwittingly spread spam,viruses and
other malware,because they have no- or inadequate- protection,
other ISPs will block their domain.
Meaning,you will have no access to other domains.
In short, your webpages won't load.

There are a few more questions to be answered:
How long before your present subscription with McAfee expires?
What is the name of the security software?
If it is Symantec-Norton you may want to reconsider.
 From my own experience and that of others, I found a more than 
acceptable impact on my system - also called slowdown :)
Obviously,it's entirely up to you.I will never touch Norton again,
but ask around of people who are using the present version as offered
by several ISPs.

While it is true that uninstalling McAfee or Norton and almost all other
Internet Security suites are a real pain,that should not prevent you 
from choosing the protection you want.
There are many ways to ease the removal if done properly.
More on that if required.

As too having more than 1 security program or suite running,
it is true that you should avoid that.
However.it doesn't mean that you can't have more than one installed.
One caveat - some don't allow the installation if it is detected that
you already have one running.Others won't install even if the existing 
one is totally disabled.Meaning,not one single part of it can be running.

Strategies you could pursue:If you like McAfee and are close to renewal,
let them know that you are considering switching.You may get a better 
offer on your renewal.
I get these offers all the time,having used both,McAfee and Norton.
Actually I never accept them.Suites are a heavy load on your system
and slow things down considerably.
Besides that,I don't use many of the services anyway,
like AntiSpam,Parental controls,Anti-phishing etc.

I prefer individual programs,but this is a personal choice.

Still,with some tweaking,you can minimize the impact of a suite.
Just disable some parts of it.

Peter.

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: [PCSOFT] McAfee
From: Dottie <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask]
Date: 22-Jan-2008 1:02:37 PM

I have McAfee as my virus protection and have received the following
message from my ISP, Comporium, who also happens to be my telephone company:

"Exciting news!  Comporium is now offering FREE Internet Security
software to all High-Speed Internet Customers (a $49.95/year value).
This new software provides:

   a.. Antivirus security - Protects, detects and removes viruses from
your computer   b.. Spyware protection - Blocks and removes spyware and
adware that hide deep inside your computer   c.. Personal Firewall -
Intercepts hackers and network viruses trying to attack your computer
and home network   d.. Anti-phishing filter - Protects you from online
phishing scams designed to steal credit card and bank account numbers.
Easy to configure and notifies you of the latest Web site risks   e..
Wireless network monitoring - Reveals strangers attempting to invade
your home network   f.. Home network control - Manages, configures and
updates security for every PC on your network with an easy-to-use
management console   g.. Parental Controls - Limits and monitors your
children's activities online You will receive a fully functional version
of the software, including any future updates for up to three computers.
This service will be FREE as long as you remain a Comporium High-Speed
Internet customer. At this time, the software is not available to
dial-up customers. "

This seems like an offer that is too good to refuse but I am wondering
if I must uninstall McAfee before I access Comporium's program.  I keep
reading about all the problems folks have trying to uninstall McAfee and
am a little leery about attempting to but I also understand that you
cannot have two security programs running on your computer.

Any suggestions as to how I should handle this would be appreciated.  I
have Windows XP Home w/ IE 6.  I hope this is all the info you might need.

Gratefully, Dottie Hoch







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