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Rob · Feb 17, 2005, 02:08 AM

I got McAfee Firewall about a year back when I got DSL. Is there any good reason to keep paying for a "subscrption" for very infrequent online updates, or is what I have probably good enough? Thanks in advance.

NeedKarma · Feb 17, 2005, 05:42 AM

I see no reason to pay for updates. I use to use ZoneAlarm free edition that gave free updates but now I have a router with firewall services.

ScottGem · Feb 17, 2005, 07:07 AM

McAfee's asking for a subscription for firewall? Did you just get the firewall or a security suite. If its just the firewall, no way you should pay a subscription, especially when good ones like Zone Alarm are available for free. However, itf it's the suite, then the sub is for a/v updates and the like.

Nez · Feb 17, 2005, 07:22 AM

Yep guys,McAfee Firewall on it's own will set you back a cool $34.95! For a one year subscription.

Use Zone Alarm as Scott suggests.I've used it for years without any problems.

All the best,
Nez.

Rob · Feb 18, 2005, 02:30 AM

Thanks. Would it be Ok if I stopped the updates and just kept the McAfee Firewall as is?

LTheobald · Feb 18, 2005, 05:35 AM

Well it would work fine but if somebody finds a flaw in the software and you don't update, then you're computer is at risk. Like everyone is saying, download a free version or pay for a firewall where you only pay a one off fee.

On a side note, have you tried uninstalling and reinstalling the firewall? With Norton Antivirus 2004, you can just reinstall and it gives you another year. Is that the same with the firewall or have they fixed this now?

Rob · Feb 18, 2005, 07:51 AM

I'm not sure about Norton. For McAfee VS & FW you can reinstall so long as the subscription is active, but I don't see how doing so will extend the update period. As far as I know, when you stop paying you're left with the product as it was when last installed.

ScottGem · Feb 18, 2005, 10:58 AM

Originally Posted by LTheobald

On a side note, have you tried uninstalling and reinstalling the firewall? With Norton Antivirus 2004, you can just reinstall and it gives you another year.

Whether Norton has fixed this or not, it would seem to me to be unethical to try to get around the subscription renewal, by reinstalling. I don't think we should be promoting unethical acts.

Scott<>