Just installed a FREE antivirus

   My Zone Alarm Antivirus is about to expire in a month's time. Since the last three weeks I've been visiting SM Cyberzones in Manila and North Edsa, searching for a new AV software. I have three softwares in mind - Norton, McAfee, and Zone Alarm. Norton and McAfee are available in two packages. Single PC installation with 1 year subscription and 3 PC installation with 1 year subscription. Zone Alarm is available for a single PC installation but with a 2 year suscription.

   I was about to make a choice when I've learned of my uncle's new Toshiba notebook running Windows 7 Ultimate. I've asked him about the antivirus software he's using. He mentioned Microsoft Security Essentials. I thought it comes with a cost but my uncle said that it's entirely free for download. Skeptically, I browsed MS website and found out that the software is actually free provided a legitimate version of Windows is installed. Since my Windows Vista Home Premium is genuine, I tried downloading it. Installation is quite easy because the interface is just point and click. I checked with the MS Security Center and found that the MS Security Essential is running together with ZoneAlarm. However, my PC froze probably because two AV softwares were running. I rebooted in Safe Mode and decided to uninstall ZoneAlarm without minding that I still have more than a month's subscription. I restarted my computer and got no problem eversince.

   By installing MS Security Essential, I've saved more than P1,000 annually for the purchase of AV software. After all, why pay more when I can get it for FREE. It's great to go legit!