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.<\/p>\n
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?”<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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<\/span> message. A few times, during internet research, Bitdefender has stopped me from visiting an unsafe page. That feature I very much appreciate.<\/p>\n Probably, I’ll choose Bitdefender again this year. I might go out looking today.<\/p>\n HTH:)<\/p>\n