After some cursory Googling it appears that Symantec has released a 90 day trial version of 2010. I would conclude that they are offering the same offer to you in hopes that you download and install it. If you did the decision to renew your subscription in 115 days for your current version would be replaced by the mandated purchase of the full version of 2010 after 90 days. Undoubtedly the application upgrade would be a greater expense than the subscription renewal.

It's been years since I have used any Symantec product but at that time a user did not have to upgrade annually to the current version. The user was allowed to renew the subscription for their version for as long as it was in the lifecycle.

DA

Hi DA,

"LOL" I got lost in your explanation.

If you did the decision to renew your subscription in 115 days for your current version would be replaced by the mandated purchase of the full version of 2010 after 90 days. Undoubtedly the application upgrade would be a greater expense than the subscription renewal.

OK, I don't mean to be so dense but, is the Subscription the CD that I purchased for 2009 and is the Application upgrade the upgrade that they want me to download from the e-mail (90 day trial)?

So if I am correct I am to understand that the Application Upgrade that they want me to download would eventually cost me more? How?

I always (every year) go and purchase the CD and that way if something would happen that Norton would have to be removed for some reason then I have the CD to put it back into my computer again.

So the CD purchased is the Subscription?
The Application Upgrade is the download from their website? (90 day trial)?

This email didn't say that it was a 90 day trial did it? I am somewhat concerned because my sister downloaded it and I wish that I had her wait until I got an answer from you all. This is what it does say:

*If you choose to download Norton AntiVirus 2010, you will have the right to use this product for no additional charge until the expiration of your current Norton AntiVirus subscription.

My understanding is once the subscription time is up then they will start charging for the upgraded 2010. What if you put in the 2010 CD two days before your subscription time is up or can you do that?

See I told you I am lost. "LOL"
I don't know why but today nothing seems to connect right with my brain. Ha!
Thank you for being so patient with my lack of understanding.

thirdfrt!!!

thirdfrt, it is sometimes cheaper to go buy the disk than it is to download the new version from Norton online. If it were me, I would decline, and just buy the disk when you need it. That way, you actually have the disk, in case something should go wrong. With the version you are already running, it is actually a waste of money to replace it with 2010, unless you can get the new disk for less than it costs to renew the subscription for one more year with the version already on there. A version should be good for at least 2 yrs before you need to go to a newer version. Good Luck to you. :-)Cat

When you purchased the original application it included a subscription of upgrades and updates. It was probably a year. If so, on the 366th day from initial installation the application would no longer be able to upgrade the application or update the definitions (.dat files). This is why a user needs to resubscribe when their current application's subscription is expiring or upgrade to the newer version.

Based upon my prior readings and personal experience when I used Symantec if you upgraded the application you would loose credit for the days you have remaining on the prior version. If you just renewed the subscription you would retain the current balance and have an additional year added.

My caution is that if you do upgrade with the trial v2010 it will ovewrwrite the current version. Then when the 90 days expire you will have no choice but to purchase the v2010. The option to resubscribe with your current version will be voided.

Historically the cost for resubscribing a current version was much less than purchasing a new version. Remember when you purchase new you are buying the entire application and the subscription for it. I cannot speak to the cost differential today, but during the time I was using Symantec as I recall it was the difference of $15 versus upwards to $50.

Some users upgrade their purchased AV every year. Some every other year. Some not at all as long as it is in the life cycle. All I ever advise to users now is if the cost differential is still somewhat similar to the above mentioned be sure the "improvements and offerings" of the new version merit the expenditure.

If any other member comes up with more up-to-date information that is different than what I am sharing please listen to them. It has been a while and perhaps Symantec has changed its corporate thinking in response to the strong competition they have been receiving over the last years.

DA

Thank you DA for the information, I think I will just stick with the CD, at least I will have it in my hands if I need it.

Hi Cat,

"thirdfrt waving" "Smiles" Both you and DA gave me great information which helped me to make a decision. I was leaning towards the CD but there was a doubt there that I wanted to clear up and you both helped me do that. Thanks to both of you for helping me.

thirdfrt!!!

You are so very welcome. Hi back at you. :-))