Misleading Advertising

Recently uninstalled my AV and the warning from MS came up that I was defenseless. So I clicked on their link, taking me to their website where several so-called "free" options were available.

1. CA's EZ trust was offering a year free on their EZ Armor. I tried repeatedly over a three day period to download it, failing every single time. Obviously they are no longer offering it. Ever try to contact CA? Don't bother.... a complete run-around.

2. Trend Micro had an interesting offer: $24.95 to buy their Security Suite upfront OR a 90 day free trial period. Well... I downloaded it (very nice program) and was informed that the $24.95 was ONLY for upgrades AND the 90 day free trial was ONLY for beta testers. Yeah... great company.

So it makes me wonder who can I trust?

 

James--The free year from EZTrust is still available, though I must confess that I have not downloaded it, since I use NortonAV. Are you using the correct URL for EZTrust's offer
http://www.my-etrust.com/microsoft/index.cfm
I also have never used TrendMicro. The suite contains applications in addition to AV. In any event, all AV programs require frequent updates to the virus definitions. (Norton charges $20 per year after the first year for this.) Do not confuse those updates with upgrades to the application's engine, which often are minor and have little effect on the program.

 

Hi Jim

Thanks for your reply. I tried repeatedly to download the so-called free version of CA's Armor and was denied every single time. I'd get almost to the finish and it would halt and tell me the file was corrupt or what have you. Trying to contact them is simply impossible so in frustration I gave up.

As for Trend Micro, I was able to download and install it. It's very impressive giving my definition updates at least twice a day. I have it for free until January so I've plenty of time to try out all its features. What bothered me most was the change by both companies from their claims on the MS website back in August to what they are now willing to offer. If they've second-guessed themselves then they should have the honesty to admit it and rescind the offer. Anyway... I'll stick with Trend Micro for the time being. Thanks again.

 

James--Another thread mentioned problems downloading E-Trust apparently because running ActiveX controls was required. I would be surprised if that is your problem, since normally, if ActiveX is required, you would not even be able to start the download. But you could try changing ActiveX settings or putting the download site into Trusted Sites.
http://www.windowsbbs.com/showthread.php?t=36743
Are you on dial up or broadband? If the former, are you sure it is not your ISP which is timing you out? Tap any key several times during the download.