Norton and McAfee Anti-virus Complaint
Mon 15 Jun 2009Filed Under *Hayabusa BLOG, Anti-virus software, Computers | Comments Off on Norton and McAfee Anti-virus Complaint
My concerns have been justified on the large Anti-virus software companies. (See the last post!) Both Symantec aka Norton and McAfee are guilty of unauthorized charging of its users. A few years ago it was Norton who tried to stop users from uninstalling the software and now trying to secretly charge renewal fees. Symantec (Norton) and Mcafee fined over renewal process
I didn’t realize McAfee was trying to do the same thing but now that I do they have completely lost my trust as well. I was considering renewing but now a definite NO.
Added to that ever since the renewal notices started being emailed and ‘warning messages’ that my anti-virus subscription was due I reread the emails and found out that there is significant price difference to what they are going to charge me! One week it is about $129 then its $90.95, then its $96.85, then $83.95 and another one for $64.95 then get this. They want to charge $181.95 for 2 years! I’ve also been to the shops and they are discounted to $49 or even free with another purchase.
Hence never get anything automatically renewed since they charge you much more!
The conclusion? I do not trust either company’s anti-virus now – sack the CEO and boards for bringing these supposed security companies images down the drain and now acting like spam and insecurity organisations. I just do not know what they are going to try next to get money off me.
Threat to privacy and loyalty reward schemes
Sun 14 Jun 2009Filed Under Other Topics | Comments Off on Threat to privacy and loyalty reward schemes
Everyone is concerned about privacy due to the continual rise of identity theft.
Consider this: IF you belong to a store’s ‘loyalty’ program such as the FLYBUYS card (or any other scheme you care to mention) you must be aware that the company now owns your personal details and can imitate you! Bonanza for any hacker!
Every time you link your purchases with any ‘rewards’ card or any other ‘rewards’ scheme you’re telling them what you’re buying the brands your buying where you live, how much you earn, what you do for a living, where you kids go to school, where you go for holidays even what car you drive and yes the toilet paper or condom you use.
I find companies having this power unnerving since they DO sell this information to other entities with possibly vague relationships. They won’t disclose this information back to you either unless you actual pay for it!
I want FULL and FREE publicly audited disclosure of who, what, when, justification, how much they paid! for your personal information. After all these associated companies have their own often vague ‘Privacy Policies’. There does not appear to be any legislation to protect the consumer in this regard! I want more information on what they do and the current situation is not acceptable.
Their terms and conditions seem to assume you are the criminal! rather and avoiding their real responsibility! Read any one of their condition and its obvious.
Financial institutions such as banks and other finance companies are so regulated and have they less personal information than these companies so there should be similar regulations if not more – it is only fair!
So until then the answer is don’t sign up to one.
These are not genuine loyalty schemes or rewards it’s about them making for more money and holding your identity as ransom. It is not money for nothing. Your identity is worth more than a pathetic few frequent flyer points.
I wonder whether the media will pick on this?
BBC news touches on the subject – are they part of the problem? : BBC News
Although not an Government supported site this has an intereting article: Threat or Reward?
POTM for May 2009
Sat 6 Jun 2009Filed Under *Hayabusa BLOG, POTM Winners | Comments Off on POTM for May 2009
This page is for voting and comments.
no images were found
The POTM winner for May 2009 is Anton from South Africa!
I say this is excellent modded motorcycle. It looks great and the mods to to make it work well too. The matched headlight protector is a very nice touch. Check out gallery 16 for more pictures and details!
[poll id=”3″]
Note: Be nice these owners have spent a lot of time customizing their bikes. If you don’t think it’s any good then prove to me and everyone else by sending a picture of yours.
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