For the tutor, ’tis the season to renew computer security software.

In a way, it seems ironic that the Christmas season is when I renew my internet security software. I’d suspect that, years ago, I bought a computer in Jan or Feb. December that same year, while out Christmas shopping, I saw a great deal on security software, so picked it up. To avoid a rush later, or because the new product was substantially better, I installed it immediately, rather than awaiting the other’s expiry.

Whatever the history, the few weeks before Christmas I visit a store or two, checking for what’s new and if the security product I own still seems the best deal. I enjoy it; rarely do I have a reason to browse those well-stocked aisles, full of amazing computer products. Plus, there’s the anticipation of “What’s new?”

Over the last twenty years, I’ve used McAfee, Norton, Kaspersky, AVG, and Bitdefender. Norton I’ve probably used the most; however, the last three years I’ve used Bitdefender.

December 2012 I found Bitdefender for cheap – I think it was at Walmart. I’d heard great reviews about it, so picked it up. That installation was on an XP computer; I had to call support to finally succeed. It was a two-year subscription, so I didn’t have to renew until last year.

Last year I bought Bitdefender again – not so cheaply as the first time, I recall. However, after two years of “no worries”, and without compelling competition on the shelves, Bitdefender found its way into the cart again.

My experience with Bitdefender is that it’s the quietest computer security I’ve ever used. I can open it for a status check whenever I want. I minimize it to the sidebar and click it now and again; all I ever see is the green you are protected message. A few times, during internet research, Bitdefender has stopped me from visiting an unsafe page. That feature I very much appreciate.

Probably, I’ll choose Bitdefender again this year. I might go out looking today.

HTH:)

Jack of Oracle Tutoring by Jack and Diane, Campbell River, BC.