When your annual antivirus subscription is about to expire, how do you determine whether to renew the subscription or buy the latest antivirus product?

Once security software has been renewed or upgraded, be sure to run a full system scan to ensure that the entire system has been checked and cleaned.

Antivirus software works by comparing the contents of memory and disk files against known fragments of virus program code. These program fragments are kept in a database called a signature file, or definition file. Because virus variations and new viruses are constantly appearing, antivirus manufacturers are continuously updating their definition files. The files are then downloaded to your PC, and this is how your virus protection is kept up-to-date. However, software vendors pass the cost of this ongoing service to customers in the form of annual subscription fees (the first year is included in the cost of a new antivirus product). When that year runs out, you’ll need to make a few decisions about virus protection.

Upgrade Or Replace?

Antivirus tools such as Norton Internet Security 2006 provide a convenient summary of security feature status, helping to identify areas that require more attention.

Antivirus software will continue to run once a subscription expires, but definitions are no longer updated. As time goes on, your PC will become vulnerable to the very latest threats because they are not addressed in the definition file. It’s always a good idea to keep antivirus protection current, so you’ll need to pay for a subscription renewal or pay for a new antivirus product (thus receiving a new one year subscription automatically).

However, there is no clear mandate to choose upgrades over renewals, and both options are roughly the same price. For example, a one-year renewal of NIS (Norton Internet Security; www.symantec.com) 2006 costs $49.99—the same price as an upgrade to Norton Internet Security 2007. Because both options are priced the same, it’s usually best to opt for the upgrade so that your antivirus tool has the latest features and options along with current virus definitions. If the renewal is cheaper for you, and you don’t care for the latest bells and whistles, opt for the renewal. It’s always best to check with your current antivirus software manufacturer for its pricing and then make your decision accordingly.

Obtaining Renewals Or Upgrades

Once the upgrade is downloaded, run the installation wizard to perform the upgrade on your PC.

It’s easy to check the status of a subscription. For tools such as Norton Internet Security 2006, click Subscription Status to check the expiration. To proceed with a renewal, click the Renew button. Remember that you’ll need to be online for this process because the antivirus tool will need to communicate with the vendor’s server.

In most cases, antivirus upgrades and renewals can be paid for online with a credit card through the software vendor’s secure Web site. For a renewal, the vendor’s server will simply change the expiration date on your existing tool, and new definition files will continue to download normally. The process is a bit more complicated with upgrades. It’s usually necessary to download the latest software package, install it to your PC following the product’s installation wizard, and then download any patches and definition files to bring the tool fully up-to-date. Expect to spend about an hour downloading, installing, and patching.

Most Internet security tools offer a convenient way to check subscription status and initiate a renewal.

Many PC users would rather receive the upgraded product on a disc rather than download it. This is particularly true with dial-up Internet users. If you would prefer to receive the product upgrade on physical media, you can usually select that option when placing the purchase order. Products such as NIS 2007 can be ordered as a download or on CD/DVD—both are the same price (though you may pay a little extra for shipping costs if you opt for a disc).

Get The Best Protection

Once you’ve been through the renewal or upgrade process, there are a few basic checks that will help you get the most value from your antivirus software. Open the main control panel and make sure that all of the product’s protective features are enabled. With NIS 2006, click Norton Internet Security and verify that the firewall, intrusion protection, antivirus, and other features are all turned on. Any features that are turned off should be enabled or configured. Remember that a new or upgraded firewall may present you with warnings when programs try to use the Internet. Pay attention to the warnings and let the firewall permit programs that you know are useful (such as online games, email clients, and so on).

Next, take some time to run a full system virus scan. For NIS 2006, click Norton AntiVirus and check the status. Make sure that your renewal or upgrade subscription period is shown properly (you should have another year). If not, contact the vendor’s technical support department for assistance. When an antivirus tool is installed or upgraded, you may see a warning that a full scan has not been completed, so run a full scan now.

by Stephen J. Bigelow