AOL Ditches Free McAfee Security Suite

Times have changed at AOL, especially when it comes to providing complimentary security software to their users. Whether it’s a identity or branding crisis; it’s clear AOL no longer intends to uphold their image of the safest and securest online destination on the Web.

It surely can’t be the cost of the McAfee co-branded affinity partnership; it has to deal with the maintenance over the technical issues surrounding the AOL-McAfee implementation. Besides, why offer it free if you can guilt users into upgrading and catching a nice affiliate kickback for it. The affiliate profit margin alone could fund a fully-functioning call center aimed to service and support users’ questions and concerns.

In an e-mail sent to AOL users who received the AOL-McAfee Security Suite, AOL informs them that their ‘subscriptions’ to McAfee will not be renewed. This is legitimate and should cause concern for everyone who uses an AOL-McAfee product (not to mention their children and computer consultants). You do not have to upgrade. You can choose an alternative, better and faster anti-virus!

There are several free alternatives for anti-virus protections. I can not emphasize enough that you only want to have ONE anti-virus solution because having multiple anti-virus solutions will cause more harm, system slowness and vulnerabilities. Always be sure to completely uninstall your previous anti-virus before installing one of the ones below. Here are recommended anti-virus suites which will keep your computer safe and secure from viruses:

• AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition — This is likely the most popular free anti-virus suite. AVG is very quick, effective and has been completely renovated to support Windows Vista and offers advanced rootkit detection.
• Avira AntiVir Free — Another popular free anti-virus suite which offers advanced heuristics and frequently updated definition files. It has a very light footprint, and I recommend this for more pro-computer users.
• Avast Home Edition — Another decent anti-virus suite, originally intended to truly modularize anti-virus detection modules; it was unique but now a frequently copied format among AV vendors.

After you uninstall McAfee, it’s recommended to run the McAfee Product Removal (MCPR) application to ensure that no residual files and startup applications remain. If you have Norton, you should use the Symantec-Norton Removal Tool (SymNRT).

The e-mail sent by AOL to AOL and presumably AIM users:

Subject: Important Information About Your McAfee Security Protection
Date: Mon, 22 Sep 2008 12:54:20 -0400 (EDT)
From: AOLSecurityAlert
Reply-To: AOLSecurityAlert
To: [Screenname]@aol.com

Dear [Screenname],

We are writing to inform you that your subscription to McAfee® VirusScan® Plus — Special edition from AOL will no longer be a complimentary benefit of your Free AOL membership. Your McAfee® software will continue to receive updates and operate normally until your license expires, one year from the date of registration. (Scroll to the bottom of this email to find out how you can check your expiration date.)

At AOL, we are still strongly committed to helping ensure your computer remains protected against online threats such as viruses, spyware and hackers. That’s why we’ve joined with McAfee, a leading name in online security, to offer even more advanced security software at a substantial 43% discount.

The McAfee® Internet Security Suite – Special edition from AOL subscription service provides our highest level of protection, helping safeguard you, your PC and your files. It includes the same basic protection as VirusScan Plus, but includes special additions for optimal security:

* Identity-theft protection that helps secure your personal information
* Tools to improve your computer’s health and performance
* Features to help shield your home network

Though it’s packed with more advanced features, the Internet Security Suite looks and feels much like your current VirusScan Plus software, making it easy for you to set up and use. Normally this software can cost as much as $69.95 per year, but Free AOL members like you can get it for an annual rate of $39.99. That’s a 43% discount.

[Download Now, Button]

To avoid gaps in your online security protection, upgrade to Internet Security Suite now by clicking here. You’ll need to provide your name, mailing address and billing information. Going forward, you’ll be billed directly by McAfee, Inc. for this product.

If you need assistance or have questions, go to AOL Keyword: Help or help.aol.com. Thanks again for continuing to use the AOL® service.

Sincerely,

AOL Member Services

To Check Your McAfee® VirusScan® Plus — Special edition from AOL Expiration Date:

1. Open the McAfee SecurityCenter. To do this, double-click the McAfee icon on the Windows® taskbar next to the clock. This opens to the home page of your McAfee SecurityCenter.
2. In the bottom-center portion of your screen, you’ll see SecurityCenter Information. Your subscription expiration date can be found here.

©2008 AOL LLC. All Rights Reserved. AOL and the AOL Triangle Logo are registered trademarks of AOL LLC. All other trademarks and/or registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Tagged as: aol, consumer advocacy, customer service, Safety, Security