Eee PC and Eee Box gain free Norton security software - but only just

Stephen Withers
Friday, 09 January 2009 10:05

Opinion and Analysis

The exceptions are experienced computer users that are buying it for someone else (typically a family member) to use, with the actual buyer taking care of the technical stuff.

"Shipping Norton Internet Security 2009 with each Eee PC and Eee Box will ensure that our users have access to an easy-to-use and fast security solution that provides the multiple layers of protection necessary to lessen online risks and ensure the safest, most productive Internet experience possible."

It's been a few years since I last ran a Norton security product on one of my computers, but I must say that I've heard better things from my colleagues about NIS 2009 than I did about its recent predecessors.

Trouble is, all that Eee buyers get is a two-month trial. After that, they'll need to switch to a paid subscription.

Is it just my innate bloody-mindedness, or would you too be more likely to uninstall the product at the end of the trial period and go for a competing product instead?

If the trial was a full year, then I'd feel I was getting something valuable. But two months makes me feel that someone's trying to manipulate me.

What do you reckon - or would you just use Linux on your netbook instead? Leave a comment to share your thoughts on the matter.