Annoying Antivirus Software

PC World had an article titled “The 20 Most Annoying Tech Products“. At number 4 (voted by the readers) are McAfee Internet Security and Symantec Norton Internet Security. From the article… 

Norton and McAfee are constantly prompting us to check our security settings, update our subscriptions, and/or buy more products. Given that most new PCs ship with one of these two packages preinstalled–and their subscriptions typically expire after 90 days–it’s almost certain they’ll nag you too. We have enough problems with our machines’ security without also having to worry about our security software.

I’d say I have to agree whole heartily, at least on the Symantec side. I’ve removed the trial Symantec software numerous times (and replaced it with something else) to improve the performance of the PC. My exposure to McAfee is less, although none of those experiences were good.

Windows Update also made the list at number 9. Mainly for it’s use to distribute Windows Genuine Advantage.

PC World added some of there own to the list and it included Plaxo. This is a address book update service that spammed everyone in their member’s address book whenever they changed any info. The recipients could avoid the spam by signing up for the service. Ok, I agree they didn’t actually violate any laws but sure sounds like extortion on the surface. They stopped the practice in 2006.