Computer Associates eTrust EZ Armor - does retail version ..

Jason wrote:
> I've never used a retail version of anti-virus software before.
> Previously I had only used free trials, such as the 1 year trial
> Computer Associates offers on their Antivirus software. After 1 year
> the software stops working.
>
> When Staples had the Pest Patrol/EZ Armor antivirus/firewall for free
> after rebates, I decided to buy the retail package (haven't opened it
> yet). Someone at the store told me I have to renew this software every
> year for $30 or the program will stop working entirely! Correct me if
> I'm wrong, but if this is true then what is the difference between the
> free 1-year trial and the retail version except for limited customer
> support which I probably won't need?
>
> Is it true that the retail version of Computer Associates' EZ Armor
> and Pest Patrol software will stop working after 1 year, or do they
> simply not allow any more virus updates after 1 year?
>
> I could live with the latter, but not the former. For instance, the
> firewall doesn't need constant updates, so in my opinion it should
> keep working indefinitely even if I choose not to renew in 1 year.
>
> I have never bought retail software before that stops working after a
> certain date. Normally I buy it and I expect it to work whenever I
> need it. Is this the way all retail anti-virus software packages work
> (such as Symantec/Norton and McAffee), or is this 1-year-only behavior
> specific to Computer Associates?

What you're purchasing is the license not the software per se. As a
general rule, the license expires after 12 months, and you then purchase
a license renewal to continue using the product with full functionality
and access to updates. This is typical of most retail AV and
anti-spyware products. There is no difference between the retail and
free versions of EZAV except as you indicate possibly some limited
customer support. Generally, after the license expires, it's not
possible to obtain signature updates, thus rendering the usefulness of
the product obsolete. With the firewall product, certain functionality
is most likely disabled. The EZ Armour firewall is a rebranded ZA Pro
software firewall, and in the past the functionality has reverted to
what's available in the comparable ZA free version.