The Secret To Computer Services Continued: AntiVirus

Free Download from CNet.com

To continue our Computer Services series let’s discuss a service that usually comes in a bundle.  For a fee from $69.99 and up a remote technician will remove trialware, help set up automatic updates, and install antivirus protection.  Here’s the problem, currently you do not get to choose the antivirus program.  It is like the dealership choosing the automobile you lease.

I had to talk customers into buying a one-year subscription to McAfee.  Once again, concealing information helped me make the sale.  2010 McAfee AntiVirus Plus may get good reviews but when you scroll down and read the comments by users the reviews are not as flattering.  Remember you are buying a one-year subscription.  After the retailer installs the antivirus program and you realize it bogs down your computer, it is too late.

What to do!  Do a little research before buying into a year subscription.  When you get home, or back to your business, install the trial version that comes with your laptop.  Then do a little Google search by putting in the brand of virus protection followed by review.  Make sure it is an independent review.

If you do not want to install Norton or McAfee even for a short time (I do not blame you) then go the free route.  Go to http://download.cnet.com scroll down on the right and choose AVG AntiVirus Free Edition 2010 or Avast Free Antivirus.  This is just temporary protection until you get your brand of choice, just make sure it is Internet Security or higher.

Caution: The free version does not come with a firewall.  It is best not to depend on the firewall that comes with your PC computer.  Download the newest free version of ZoneAlarm from Cnet.com.  Just type in ZoneAlarm in the search bar.

Some people are content to use the free virus protection and firewall programs.  It is your call.  If all of this seems a little overwhelming you may want to ask a friend to help or buy this service from the retailer or online.

The salesperson cannot make you aware of these do-it-yourself options, they must try to sell the overpriced, underperforming computer services.  Again, they are just doing their job.

Are you beginning to see the light?  You must not rely on the retailer’s biased information.  To save and keep more of your money you must do your own research and keep reading this blog of course!

Tomorrow: how you can get rid of trialware – free!

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The definition of a chump:

a gullible person, a sucker; someone easily taken advantage of, the target of a scam.

Learn from a former salesperson and trainer how salespeople drive sales. Learn how to keep more money in your pocket where it belongs! There are two ends of every sales stick!  One end cries 'chump.'  The other end boasts 'champ.'  I know which end of the stick I want to be.  How about you?